gaff

¹gaff

noun \ˈgaf\

Definition of GAFF

1

a : a spear or spearhead for taking fish or turtles

b : a handled hook for holding or lifting heavy fish

c : a metal spur for a gamecock

d : a butcher's hook

e : a climbing iron or its steel point used by a telephone lineman

2

: the spar on which the head of a fore-and-aft sail is extended

3

: gaffe

Origin of GAFF

French gaffe, from Occitan gaf

First Known Use: circa 1656

Rhymes with GAFF

caff, calf, chaff, daff, gaffe, graph, half, laugh, quaff, raff, sclaff, staff, staph, Waf, waff

²gaff

transitive verb

Definition of GAFF

1

: to strike or secure with a gaff

2

: to fit (a gamecock) with a gaff

First Known Use of GAFF

1844

³gaff

noun

Definition of GAFF

British

: a cheap theater or music hall

Origin of GAFF

origin unknown

First Known Use: 1812

Other Performing Arts Terms

diva, dramaturgy, loge, prestidigitation, proscenium, supernumerary, zany

⁴gaff

noun

Definition of GAFF

1

a : something painful or difficult to bear : ordeal —usually used in the phrase stand the gaff; especially : persistent raillery or criticism

b : rough treatment : abuse

2

a : hoax, fraud

b : gimmick, trick

Origin of GAFF

origin unknown

First Known Use: 1896

⁵gaff

transitive verb

Definition of GAFF

1

: deceive, trick; also : fleece

2

: to fix for the purpose of cheating <gaff the dice>

First Known Use of GAFF

1933