gaffle Meaning & Definition
What Does Gaffle Mean?
Gaffle is a noun that means A lever used to bend a crossbow. It is also used to mean A steel spur attached to a gamecock (sometimes used figuratively). As a verb, it means To equip with a gaffle or similar weapon. As a verb, it means To grab or seize.
Gaffle in Brief
| Part of speech | noun, verb |
|---|---|
| Pronunciation | //ˈɡæfl̩// |
| Syllables | 1 |
| Plural | gaffles |
| Verb forms | gaffles, gaffling, gaffled |
Gaffle Definition (Noun)
- A lever used to bend a crossbow.
- A steel spur attached to a gamecock (sometimes used figuratively).
- 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.
Gaffle as a Verb
- To equip with a gaffle or similar weapon.
- to include a gaffle in an orienteering race.
Verb
- 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.
Synonyms of Gaffle
The source does not list synonyms for this entry.
Gaffle synonyms and antonyms →Antonyms of Gaffle
No antonyms or near antonyms are listed by the available sources for this entry.
Gaffle in a Sentence
No example sentences are available for this entry.
Word Forms & Grammar
gaffle (plural gaffles)
gaffle (third-person singular simple present gaffles, present participle gaffling, simple past and past participle gaffled)
Words That Rhyme With Gaffle
Origin of Gaffle
Origin 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”).
Origin 2: Blend of gaff + grapple.
Pronouncing Gaffle
Gaffle is pronounced //ˈɡæfl̩// and has 1 syllable.
Quick Answers About Gaffle
Is gaffle a noun or a verb?
Gaffle is mainly used as a noun, but it can also be used as a verb.
What is the plural of gaffle?
The plural of gaffle is gaffles.
What is the past tense of gaffle?
The past tense of gaffle is gaffled. The present participle is gaffling.