gaffer
[ gaf-er ]
/ ˈgæf ər /
noun
the chief electrician on a motion-picture or television production.
Informal. an old man.
British. a foreman or overseer, especially the boss of a group of physical laborers.
Glassmaking. a master glassblower responsible for shaping glassware.
Nearby words
gaff topsail, gaff-rigged, gaff-topsail, gaff-topsail catfish, gaffe, gaffer, gaffer tape, gaffle, gaffney, gaffsail, gag
Origin of gaffer
First recorded in 1565–75; contraction of godfather
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Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2019
Examples from the Web for gaffer
British Dictionary definitions for gaffer
gaffer
/ (ˈɡæfə) /
noun
an old man, esp one living in the country: often used affectionately or patronizinglyCompare gammer
informal, mainly British a boss, foreman, or owner of a factory, mine, etc
the senior electrician on a television or film set
Word Origin for gaffer
C16: alteration of godfather
Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition
© William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins
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Word Origin and History for gaffer
gaffer
1580s, "elderly rustic," apparently a contraction of godfather (cf. gammer); originally "old man," it was applied from 1841 to foremen and supervisors, which sense carried over 20c. to "electrician in charge of lighting on a film set."
Online Etymology Dictionary, © 2010 Douglas Harper