Category:Gaff

Gaff, n. Etym: [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. (Naut.)

Defn: The spar upon which the upper edge of a fore-and-aft sail is extended.

3. Same as Gaffle, 1. Wright.

gaff Gaff, v. t. [imp. & p. p. Gaffed; p. pr. & vb. n. Gaffing.]

Defn: To strike with a gaff or barbed spear; to secure by means of a gaff; as, to gaff a salmon.