E. Cobham Brewer 1810–1897. Dictionary of Phrase and Fable. 1898.
Gaff (g hard).
Crooked as a gaff. A gaff is an iron hook at the end of a short pole, used for landing salmon, etc. The metal spurs of fighting cocks. In nautical language, a spar to which the head of a fore-and-aft sail is bent. (Dana: Seaman’s Manual, p. 97.) (Irish, gaf; Spanish and Portuguese, gafa.)
