from
The Collaborative International Dictionary of English v.0.48
Gaff \Gaff\ (g[a^]f), n. [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.
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2. (Naut.) The spar upon which the upper edge of a
fore-and-aft sail is extended.
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3. Same as {Gaffle}, 1. --Wright.
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