gaffle
English
/ˈɡæfl̩/
noun
Definitions
- (obsolete) A lever used to bend a crossbow.
- A steel spur attached to a gamecock (sometimes used figuratively).
- (historical) 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.
Etymology
Inherited from Middle English gaffolle derived from Middle Dutch gaffel derived from *gabulu (fork).
Origin
*gabulu
Gloss
fork
Concept
Semantic Field
Food and drink
Ontological Category
Person/Thing