gaff
Definition from Wiktionary, the free dictionary
Contents |
[edit] English
[edit] Alternative forms
[edit] Etymology
Middle English, from Middle French gaffe, from Old Provençal gaf (“hook”), derivative of gafar (“to sieze”), from Gothic 𐌲𐌰𐍆𐍆- derived from 𐌲𐌹𐌱𐌰𐌽 (giban, “to give”).
[edit] Pronunciation
- Rhymes: -æf
[edit] Noun
gaff (plural gaffs)
- A tool consisting of a large metal hook with a handle or pole, especially the one used to pull large fish aboard a boat.
- A minor error or faux pas.
- We politely ignored his gaff.
- A trick or con.
- The sideshow feat was a just a gaff, but the audience was too proud to admit they'd been fooled.
- (UK, slang) A place of residence.
- We're going round to Mike's gaff later to watch the footie.
- (nautical) The upper spar used to control a gaff-rigged sail.
- A garment worn to hide the genitals by male transvestites.
[edit] Synonyms
[edit] Verb
gaff (third-person singular simple present gaffs, present participle gaffing, simple past and past participle gaffed)
- To use a gaff, especially to land a fish.
