I. ˈgaf noun
Etymology: French gaffe, from Occitan gaf
Date: circa 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
II. transitive verb
Date: 1844
1. : to strike or secure with a gaff
2. : to fit (a gamecock) with a gaff
III. noun
Etymology: origin unknown
Date: 1812
British : a cheap theater or music hall
IV. noun
Etymology: origin unknown
Date: 1896
1.
a. : something painful or difficult to bear : ordeal — usually used in the phrase stand the gaff ; especially : persistent raillery or criticism
b. : rough treatment : abuse
2.
a. : hoax , fraud
b. : gimmick , trick
V. transitive verb
Date: 1933
1. : deceive , trick ; also : fleece
2. : to fix for the purpose of cheating
gaff the dice