DCHP-3

gaff

Sealing, Nfld
DCHP-1 (pre-1967)

Entry from the DCHP-1 (pre-1967)

This entry may contain outdated or offensive information, terms, and examples.

n.

See 1883 quote.

Quotations

1883
Each of them carries a bundle of spare clothing over his shoulder, swinging at the extremity of a pole six or seven feet in length, which is called a "gaff," and which serves as bat or a club to strike the seal on the nose where it is most vulnerable.
1916
. . . Up St. John's way . . . you couldn't touch tea nor pork nor flour with a ten-foot-sealing gaff.
1966
The Minister borrowed a gaff and poked the [seal's] carcass.