gaffle

[ gaf-uhl ]
/ ˈgæf əl /
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.

QUIZZES

QUIZ YOURSELF ON THESE WORDS FROM BROWN GIRL DREAMING!

Visualize yourself passing this quiz on words from Jacqueline Woodson’s exquisite verse novel “Brown Girl Dreaming,” and then take the quiz to prove you can do it! (Because you can.)
Question 1 of 10
What does “barren” mean?
a cylindrical wooden container with slightly bulging sides.
Worn down by dullness, tedious repetition.
unproductive; unfruitful
TAKE THE QUIZ TO FIND OUT

Origin of gaffle

1930–35; perhaps blend of gaff1 and grapple

Words nearby gaffle

Gaeta, gaff, gaffe, gaffer, gaffer tape, gaffle, Gaffney, gaff rig, gaff-rigged, gaff sail, gaff topsail
Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2020