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Gaff

1. A barbed spear or a hook with a handle, used by fishermen in securing heavy fish.

2. The spar upon which the upper edge of a fore-and-aft sail is extended.

3. Same as Gaffle.

Origin: oe. Gaffe, f. Gaffe an iron hook with which seamen pull great fishes into their ships; cf. Ir. Gaf, gafa hook; perh. Akin to g. Gabel fork, Skr. Gabhasti. Cf. Gaffle, gable.