Gaff (?), n. [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.] 1. A barbed spear or a hook with a handle, used by fishermen in securing heavy fish.
2. (Naut.) The spar upon which the upper edge of a fore-and-aft sail is extended.
3. Same as Gaffle, 1. Wright.