gaff

name

1. A surname.

noun

1. Clipping of gaffer tape.

   “She bought a roll of black gaff to tape down the loose cords.”

verb

Etymology: From Middle English gaffe, from Old French gaffe, from Old Occitan gaf (“hook”), derivative of gafar (“to seize”), from 𐌲𐌹𐌱𐌰𐌽 (giban, “to give”). Doublet of gaffe. Etymology 1, noun sense 5 apparently derives from the idea that the garment tricks or deceives others about the wearer's genitalia.

1. To use a gaff, especially to land a fish.

   “I stepped out and advanced valiantly upon a long-maned bull in the midst of his wives. I was armed with the regular club with which the boat-pullers killed the wounded seals gaffed aboard by the hunters.”

2. To cheat or hoax.
3. To doctor or modify for deceptive purposes.

   “When the operator began losing, he gaffed the wheel and then the patron had no chance to win. With his secret device an experienced grifter could stop the wheel at will on any number.”

   “However, this apathy will quickly disappear if it is learned the friendly game involves marked (gaffed) cards.”

4. To gamble, especially by tossing coins.
5. To affix gaffer tape to, or cover with gaffer tape.

   “I gaffed down the sleeves to my lens hoods instead of just relying on the drawstring to hold it in place.”