Definition of "gaff-hook" [gaff-hook]

• Same as gaff, 1. (noun)

The Century Dictionary (Public Domain)

• "In calm weather they swim near the surface, and close to the shore, to avoid the strong current; and they are so possessed with this one purpose, and so regardless of every thing about them, that the Indians catch hundreds of them by merely slipping the gaff-hook under their bodies, and lifting them out of the water, -- selecting the best to preserve for food, and throwing aside those that they consider as worthless."
• "Dick drew the canoe beside the tarpon and, dropping the harpoon-line, held the handle of the big gaff-hook in both hands, ready to strike."
• "After much difficulty our boatman got the ray alongside the boat with his gaff-hook, and gave it a few deep cuts in the region of the heart with a large knife."