gaff

Reading level: hard

Estimated CEFR level: C2 — Proficiency

Estimated from word frequency; not an official CEFR classification.

Definition

  1. noun a sharp metal spike or spur that is fastened to the leg of a gamecock
  2. noun a spar rising aft from a mast to support the head of a quadrilateral fore-and-aft sail
  3. noun an iron hook with a handle; used for landing large fish

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, noun sense 5 apparently derives from the idea that the garment tricks or deceives others about the wearer's genitalia.

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