1877. Five Years’ Penal Servitude, ch. iv., p. 312. I also saw that Jemmy’s blowing up of me wos all gaff. He knew as well as I did the things left the shop all right.
1892. Hume Nisbet, Bushranger’s Sweetheart, p. 227. Can you put me up to this other gaff.
4. (old sharpers’).—A ring worn by the dealer. [From gaffe = a hook.]
5. (American cock-pit).—A steel spur.
6. (anglers’).—A landing spear, barbed in the iron.
Verb. (old).—1. To toss for liquor. See gaffing.
1823. Jon Bee, Dict. of the Turf, s.v.
2. (theatrical).—To play in a gaff (q.v. sense 2).
To blow the gaff, or gab (q.v.), verb. phr. (common). To give information; to let out a secret. For synonyms, see Peach.
1785. Grose, Vulg. Tongue. To blow the gab (cant), to confess, or impeach a confederate.