gaff

¹

[ gaf ]

noun

1. an iron hook with a handle for landing large fish.
2. the spur on a climbing iron, especially as used by telephone linemen.
3. Nautical. a spar rising aft from a mast to support the head of a quadrilateral fore-and-aft sail gaff sail, orgaff-headed sail.
4. a metal spur for a gamecock.

verb (used with object)

1. to hook or land (a fish) with a gaff.

gaff

²

[ gaf ]

noun

, Slang.

1. harsh treatment or criticism (usually used in the phrase stand/take the gaff ):

   All the gaff he took never made him bitter.

   You shouldn't be in show biz if you can't stand the gaff.

gaff

³

[ gaf ]

verb (used with object)

1. Slang. to cheat; fleece.

verb (used without object)

1. British Slang. to gamble, especially to indulge in petty gambling, as to toss coins.

gaff

¹

/ ɡæf /

noun

1. angling a stiff pole with a stout prong or hook attached for landing large fish
2. nautical a boom hoisted aft of a mast to support a gaffsail
3. a metal spur fixed to the leg of a gamecock

verb

1. angling to hook or land (a fish) with a gaff
2. slang.
   to cheat; hoax

gaff

²

/ ɡæf /

noun

1. slang.
   foolish talk; nonsense
2. blow the gaff slang.
   to divulge a secret
3. stand the gaff slang.
   to endure ridicule, difficulties, etc

gaff

³

/ ɡæf /

noun

1. a person's home, esp a flat
2. Also calledpenny-gaff a cheap or low-class place of entertainment, esp a cheap theatre or music hall in Victorian England

Word History and Origins

Origin of gaff¹

First recorded in 1275–1325; Middle English, from Middle French gaffe, gaff, from Provençal gaf “hook, gaff,” noun derivative of gafar “to seize” (compare Medieval Latin gaffare ), probably from unattested Germanic (Visigothic) gaff-, perhaps derivative from base of Gothic giban “to give”; give

Origin of gaff²

An Americanism dating back to 1895–1900; of uncertain origin; compare earlier British use, “nonsense, humbug,” Scots dialect, “loud laugh, guffaw”; guff

Origin of gaff³

First recorded in 1745–55; origin uncertain

Word History and Origins

Origin of gaff¹

C13: from French gaffe, from Provençal gaf boathook

Origin of gaff²

C19: of unknown origin

Origin of gaff³

C18: of unknown origin

Idioms and Phrases

see stand the gaff .

Example Sentences

But the main attraction was gambling on roosters, which federal authorities said were made to fight — sometimes to the death — in an arena while wearing sharp blades known as “gaffs” on their legs.

From Los Angeles Times

We even left in “mistakes” — continuity errors, audio gaffs — using camera angles that may not feel as polished as other comedy specials.

From Los Angeles Times

The court also heard Craig had earlier texted a friend stating: "Gone to gaff the now to get that wee Bill."

From BBC

Ito rushed in with the gaff, helping to clear his way through the crowd.

From Los Angeles Times

“We use nets now, but we use a gaff all the time.”

From Literature

Related Words

• apprehend
• capture
• catch
• detain
• imprison
• incarcerate
• jail
• round up
• seize