ˈgafə(r) noun
( -s )
Etymology: probably contraction of godfather
1. : old man : old fellow
old men's recollections … are not regarded by historians as good sources of history, but this gaffer's estimate of the situation is supported by a contemporary report — S.E.Morison
— often used formerly as a form of friendly address
2. Britain
a. : employer
b. : foreman , overseer
3. : the master glass blower in charge of a shop in glassworking
4. : an electrician in charge of the lighting of motion-picture or television sets