[gaff] n [F gaffe, fr. Prov gaf] (ca. 1656) 1 a: a spear or spearhead for taking fish or turtles b: a handled hook for holding or lifting heavy fish c: a metal spur for a gamecock d: a butcher's hook e: a climbing iron or its steel point used by a telephone lineman
2: the spar on which the head of a fore-and-aft sail is extended
3: gaffe
[2]gaff vt (1844) 1: to strike or secure with a gaff
2: to fit (a gamecock) with a gaff [3]gaff n [origin unknown] (1812) Brit: a cheap theater or music hall [4]gaff n [origin unknown] (1896) 1 a: something painful or difficult to bear: ordeal--usu. used in the phrase stand the gaff; esp: persistent raillery or criticism b: rough treatment: abuse
2. a: hoax, fraud b: gimmick, trick [5]gaff vt (1933) 1: deceive, trick; also: fleece
2: to fix for the purpose of cheating "~ the dice"