gaff1 (găf)
n.
A large iron hook attached to a pole or handle and used to land large fish.
Nautical. A spar attached to the mast and used to extend the upper edge of a fore-and-aft sail.
A sharp metal spur or spike fastened to the leg of a gamecock.
A climbing hook used by telephone and electric line workers.
Slang. A trick or gimmick, especially one used in a swindle or to rig a game.
Slang. Harshness of treatment; abuse.
tr.v., gaffed, gaf?fing, gaffs.
To hook or land (a fish) using a gaff.
To equip (a gamecock) with a gaff.
Slang.
To take in or defraud; swindle.
To rig or fix in order to cheat: knew that the carnival games had been gaffed.
[Middle English gaffe, from Old French, from Old Proven?al gaf, from gafar, to seize, of Germanic origin.]
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