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gaff

   Also found in: Dictionary/thesaurus, Acronyms, Idioms, Wikipedia 0.01 sec.
gaff
1. Angling a stiff pole with a stout prong or hook attached for landing large fish
2. Nautical a boom hoisted aft of a mast to support a gaffsail
3. a metal spur fixed to the leg of a gamecock


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? Mentioned in ? References in classic literature
 
As I understood it, there were two ways of getting it cleared,-- first, by lowering the foresail, which was comparatively easy and without danger; and second, by climbing out the peak-halyards to the end of the gaff itself, an exceedingly hazardous performance.
From the gaff of one, two gay flags hung limply, one a checkerboard of blue and white squares, the other a white pennant centred with a red disc.
There, graceful and still, like a bird ready to spread its wings, she waited till, at the opening of the gates, a tug or two would hurry in noisily, hovering round her with an air of fuss and solicitude, and take her out into the river, tending, shepherding her through open bridges, through dam-like gates between the flat pier-heads, with a bit of green lawn surrounded by gravel and a white signal-mast with yard and gaff, flying a couple of dingy blue, red, or white flags.
 
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