gaff

Definition

A tool consisting of a large metal hook with a handle or pole, especially the one used to pull large fish aboard a boat.

Etymology

From Middle English gaffe, from Old French gaffe, from Old Occitan gaf (“hook”), derivative of gafar (“to seize”), from 𐌲𐌹𐌱𐌰𐌽 (giban, “to give”). Doublet of gaffe. Etymology 1 sense 5 apparently derives from the idea that the garment tricks or deceives others about the wearer's genitalia.

Example Sentences

• "When Leonard finally hauls up a cod of seventy-five centimeters, probably seven years old, a typical catch ten years ago, they all joke, "Oh my God, get the gaff!""
• "We politely ignored his gaff."
• "The sideshow feat was just a gaff, but the audience was too proud to admit they'd been fooled."