gaff
NounUS[gaf]/ɡæf/1 syllable
Open English WordNet
Noun (3)
- a sharp metal spike or spur that is fastened to the leg of a gamecockType of spike
- a spar rising aft from a mast to support the head of a quadrilateral fore-and-aft sailType of sparPart of sailing vessel, sailing ship
- an iron hook with a handle; used for landing large fishType of hookMember of fishing gear, tackle
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Webster's Dictionary (1913)
Gaff (găf), noun
Origin: OE. gaffe, F. gaffe an iron hook with which seamen pull great fishes into their ships; cf. Ir. gaf, gafa hook; perh. akin to G. gabel fork, Skr. gabhasti. Cf. Gaffle, Gable.
1. A barbed spear or a hook with a handle, used by fishermen in securing heavy fish.
2. Nautical The spar upon which the upper edge of a fore-and-aft sail is extended.
3. Same as Gaffle, 1. Thomas Wright
Gaff transitive verb [past tense & past participle Gaffed; present participle & verbal noun Gaffing.]
To strike with a gaff or barbed spear; to secure by means of a gaff; as, to gaff a salmon.
Webster’s Revised Unabridged Dictionary (1913), from GCIDE 0.54