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Gaffer

1. An old fellow; an aged rustic. Go to each gaffer and each goody. (Fawkes)

gaffer was originally a respectful title, now degenerated into a term of familiarity or contempt when addressed to an aged man in humble life.

2. A foreman or overseer of a gang of laborers.

Origin: possibly contr. Fr. Godfather; but prob. Fr. Gramfer for grandfather. Cf. Gammer.