SINCE 1828

An Encyclopædia Britannica Company

1

gaff

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

2 : the spar (see ¹spar 2a) on which the head of a fore-and-aft sail is extended

3 : gaffe

Origin and Etymology of gaff

borrowed from French gaffe, going back to Middle French, borrowed from Old Occitan gaf, probably derivative of gafar "to seize," of obscure origin

Note: Middle English gaffe, occurring in the early 14th-century "Kildare Poems" (British Library MS Harley 913) and glossed "iron hook" in the Middle English Dictionary, is of uncertain relation to the modern word. It predates attestations of the word in French.

NEW! Time Traveler

First Known Use: circa 1656

in the meaning defined at sense 1a

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2

gaff

verb

Definition of gaff

transitive verb

1 : to strike or secure with a spear or hook

gaff a salmon

2 : to fit (a gamecock) with a metal spur

Origin and Etymology of gaff

derivative of ¹gaff

NEW! Time Traveler

First Known Use: 1844

in the meaning defined at sense 1

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3

gaff

noun

Definition of gaff

British

: a cheap theater or music hall

Origin and Etymology of gaff

of obscure origin

NEW! Time Traveler

First Known Use: 1812

in the meaning defined above

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Other Performing Arts Terms

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

4

gaff

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 and Etymology of gaff

of obscure origin

NEW! Time Traveler

First Known Use: 1896

in the meaning defined at sense 1a

See Words from the same year

5

gaff

verb

Definition of gaff

transitive verb

1 : deceive, trick; also : fleece

2 : to fix for the purpose of cheating

gaff the dice

Origin and Etymology of gaff

probably derivative of ⁴gaff

NEW! Time Traveler

First Known Use: 1933

in the meaning defined at sense 1

See Words from the same year

Learn More about gaff

See words that rhyme with gaff Thesaurus: All synonyms and antonyms for gaff Spanish Central: Translation of gaff Nglish: Translation of gaff for Spanish speakers

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