gaffle

[gaf-uh l]New England (chiefly Maine ).

verb (used with object), gaf·fled, gaf·fling.

to take hold of; seize.

verb (used without object), gaf·fled, gaf·fling.

to take as one's own (used in the phrase gaffle on to): I'm going to gaffle on to that last piece of pie.

Origin of gaffle

1930–35; perhaps blend of gaff¹ and grapple

Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2018