Gaff, v. t. [imp. & p. p. Gaffed (?); p. pr. & vb. n. Gaffing.] To
strike with a gaff or barbed spear; to secure by means of a gaff; as,
to gaff a salmon.
Gaf"fer (?), n. [Possibly contr. fr. godfather; but prob. fr. gramfer
for grandfather. Cf. Gammer.] 1. An old fellow; an aged rustic.
Go to each gaffer and each goody.
Fawkes.
Gaffer was originally a respectful title, now degenerated into a term
of familiarity or contempt when addressed to an aged man in humble
life.