gaff (redirected from blew the gaff)

gaff ¹  (gf)

n.

1. A large iron hook attached to a pole or handle and used to land large fish.

2. Nautical A spar attached to the mast and used to extend the upper edge of a fore-and-aft sail.

3.

a. A sharp metal spur or spike fastened to the leg of a gamecock.

b. A climbing hook used by telephone and electric line workers.

4. Slang A trick or gimmick, especially one used in a swindle or to rig a game.

5. Slang Harshness of treatment; abuse.

tr.v. gaffed, gaf·fing, gaffs

1. To hook or land (a fish) using a gaff.

2. To equip (a gamecock) with a gaff.

3. Slang

a. To take in or defraud; swindle.

b. To rig or fix in order to cheat: knew that the carnival games had been gaffed.

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[Middle English gaffe, from Old French, from Old Provençal gaf, from gafar, to seize, of Germanic origin; see kap- in Indo-European roots.]

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gaff ²  (gf)

n. Chiefly British

1. A public place of entertainment, especially a cheap or disreputable music hall or theater.

2. Slang A house, building, or apartment, especially where one resides.

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[Origin unknown.]

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gaff ³  (gf)

n.

Variant of gaffe.

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gaff ¹

Noun

1. Angling a pole with a hook attached for landing large fish

2. Naut a spar hoisted to support a fore-and-aft sail [Provençal gaf boat hook]

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gaff ²

Noun

blow the gaff Brit slang to give away a secret [origin unknown]

Thesaurus

Noun	1.	gaff - a sharp metal spike or spur that is fastened to the leg of a gamecock spike - each of the sharp points on the soles of athletic shoes to prevent slipping (or the shoes themselves); "the second baseman sharpened his spikes before every game"; "golfers' spikes damage the putting greens"
	2.	gaff - a spar rising aft from a mast to support the head of a quadrilateral fore-and-aft sail sailing ship, sailing vessel - a vessel that is powered by the wind; often having several masts spar - a stout rounded pole of wood or metal used to support rigging
	3.	gaff - an iron hook with a handle; used for landing large fish fishing gear, fishing rig, fishing tackle, tackle, rig - gear used in fishing hook - a curved or bent implement for suspending or pulling something