I. ˈgaf, -ȧf noun
( -s )
Etymology: probably of imitative origin
chiefly Scotland : a loud laugh : guffaw
II. intransitive verb
( -ed/-ing/-s )
Etymology: gaff (I)
chiefly Scotland : to laugh loudly
III. ˈgaf, -aa(ə)f, -aif noun
( -s )
Etymology: French gaffe, from Provençal gaf
1.
a. : a barbed spear or spearhead for taking fish or turtles
b. : an iron hook with a handle for holding or lifting heavy fish (as into a boat)
c. : the steel point of a pole used in logging
d. : a metal spur for a gamecock
e. : a butcher's hook
f.
(1) : a climbing iron used by a telephone lineman
(2) : the steel point or the shank and steel point of such a climbing iron
2.
a. : the spar upon which the head of a fore-and-aft sail is extended
b. : a similar spar on a ship without sails sometimes used when under way for hoisting colors
3.
a. : hoax , fraud
b. : gimmick , trick
professional gamblers can be trusted to work out some sort of gaff to loosen up the percentage on any game of chance — C.B.Davis
4.
a. : something painful or difficult to bear : ordeal
was forced to drop out of competition because he couldn't stand the gaff
especially : persistent raillery or criticism
b. : wear and tear : roughness of treatment : abuse
fabric that could take a great deal of gaff and still hold up
5. : gaffe
IV. transitive verb
( -ed/-ing/-s )
Etymology: gaff (III)
1.
a. : to strike or secure with a gaff
gaff a salmon
b. : to fit or provide (as a gamecock) with a gaff
2. : deceive , trick ; also : fleece
3. : to tamper with for the purpose of cheating : fix , gimmick
gaming wheels and dice are often gaffed so that the player cannot win
V. noun
( -s )
Etymology: origin unknown
Britain : a cheap place of amusement ; especially : a low-class theater or music hall — called also penny gaff
VI. intransitive verb
( -ed/-ing/-s )
Etymology: origin unknown
slang Britain : to gamble especially by tossing coins
VII. noun
( -s )
Etymology: origin unknown
1. : talk especially when idle or foolish
wasn't going to take any of his gaff — William Ornstein
2. : outcry , clamor
•
- blow the gaff