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Definition of gaff : 1. A barbed spear or a hook with a handle, used by fishermen in securing heavy fish.
2. Same as Gaffle, 1.
3. The spar upon which the upper edge of a fore- and- aft sail is extended.
4. To strike with a gaff or barbed spear; to secure by means of a gaff; as, to gaff a salmon.

Synonyms:

gaffe, faux pas, clinker, barb, fault, lapse, brick, indiscretion, slip, solecism, screwup, cockpit, goof, fishing line, inaccuracy, miscue, boob, boo-boo, flub, trip, bait, fluff, slipup, drifter, misstep, fishing rod, creel, decoy, dragnet, familiarity, mistake, drift net, stumble, oversight, bobble, clanger, fumble, blunder

Usage examples:

• He knew the weight of the gaff and the great tan- soddened sail to a nicety. - "The Last Hope", Henry Seton Merriman.
• " There's the old one stuck in the side, sir," replied the lad; and, holding on with one hand, Dick reached the gaff- hook with the other; but though he got his fish close up to the stern two or three times, he found that he was not experienced fisherman enough to hold the line with his left hand and gaff it with the other. - "Menhardoc", George Manville Fenn.
• Didn't think you'd give me the gaff- when it was all for you. - "Out of the Primitive", Robert Ames Bennet.