gaff
1[ gaf ]
/ gæf /
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noun
an iron hook with a handle for landing large fish.
the spur on a climbing iron, especially as used by telephone linemen.
Nautical. a spar rising aft from a mast to support the head of a quadrilateral fore-and-aft sail(gaff sail, orgaff-headed sail ).
a metal spur for a gamecock.
verb (used with object)
to hook or land (a fish) with a gaff.
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Origin of gaff
1First 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”; see give
WORDS THAT MAY BE CONFUSED WITH gaff
gaff , gaffeWords nearby gaff
Gaelic, Gaelic coffee, Gaelic football, Gaeltacht, Gaeta, gaff, gaffe, gaffer, gaffer tape, gaffle, Gaffney
Definition for gaff (2 of 3)
gaff2
[ gaf ]
/ gæf /
noun Slang.
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.
Origin of gaff
2An Americanism dating back to 1895–1900; of uncertain origin; compare earlier British use, “nonsense, humbug,” Scots dialect, “loud laugh, guffaw”; cf. guff
Definition for gaff (3 of 3)
gaff3
[ gaf ]
/ gæf /
verb (used with object)
Slang. to cheat; fleece.
verb (used without object)
British Slang. to gamble, especially to indulge in petty gambling, as to toss coins.
Origin of gaff
3First recorded in 1745–55; origin uncertain
Dictionary.com Unabridged
Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2021
Example sentences from the Web for gaff
British Dictionary definitions for gaff (1 of 3)
gaff1
/ (ɡæf) /
noun
angling a stiff pole with a stout prong or hook attached for landing large fish
nautical a boom hoisted aft of a mast to support a gaffsail
a metal spur fixed to the leg of a gamecock
verb (tr)
angling to hook or land (a fish) with a gaff
slang to cheat; hoax
Word Origin for gaff
C13: from French gaffe, from Provençal gaf boathook
British Dictionary definitions for gaff (2 of 3)
gaff2
/ (ɡæf) /
noun
slang foolish talk; nonsense
blow the gaff British slang to divulge a secret
stand the gaff slang, mainly US and Canadian to endure ridicule, difficulties, etc
Word Origin for gaff
C19: of unknown origin
British Dictionary definitions for gaff (3 of 3)
gaff3
/ (ɡæf) /
noun British slang, archaic
a person's home, esp a flat
Also called: penny-gaff a cheap or low-class place of entertainment, esp a cheap theatre or music hall in Victorian England
Word Origin for gaff
C18: of unknown origin
Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition
© William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins
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Idioms and Phrases with gaff
gaff
see stand the gaff.
The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary
Copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.