gaffle

== English == === Pronunciation === IPA(key): /ˈɡæfl̩/ Rhymes: -æfəl === Etymology 1 === From Middle English gaffolle, a borrowing from Middle Dutch gaffel, gafel (“fork”), ultimately from Proto-West Germanic *gabulu (“fork”), related to Old English gafol, ġeafel (“fork”). ==== Noun ==== gaffle (plural gaffles) (obsolete) A lever used to bend a crossbow. A steel spur attached to a gamecock (sometimes used figuratively). (historical, weaponry) A portable fork of iron or wood in which the heavy musket formerly in use was rested that it might be accurately aimed and fired. a fork in an orienteering race. ==== Verb ==== gaffle (third-person singular simple present gaffles, present participle gaffling, simple past and past participle gaffled) To equip with a gaffle or similar weapon. to include a gaffle in an orienteering race. === Etymology 2 === Blend of gaff +‎ grapple. ==== Verb ==== gaffle (third-person singular simple present gaffles, present participle gaffling, simple past and past participle gaffled) To grab or seize To get hold of, to find. To arrest for criminal activity. To steal To swindle or bully (someone) To talk without a purpose, usually about inane or pointless topics; to babble. ===== Related terms ===== === References === John A. Simpson and Edmund S. C. Weiner, editors (1989), “gaffle”, in The Oxford English Dictionary, 2nd edition, Oxford: Clarendon Press, →ISBN. (noun sense)