Gaffel

German

Pronunciation

• IPA^(key): /ˈɡafəl/

Etymology 1

18th century, from Low German Gaffel, from Middle Low German gaffele, from Proto-West Germanic *gabulu (“fork”). Doublet of Gabel.

Noun

Gaffel f (genitive Gaffel, plural Gaffeln)

1. (nautical) gaff (spar for a sail)

Derived terms

• Gaffelsegel
• Gaffeltakelung

Etymology 2

The same word as above, but in this sense from Central Franconian Gaffel, Jaffel, from northern Middle High German gaffele, from Old High German *gaffala (attested in mistgaffela, compare Luxembourgish Gafel). (This etymology is missing or incomplete. Please add to it, or discuss it at the Etymology scriptorium. Particularly: “Semantic development. It's said members got special forks. Seems unlikely to be the actual origin.”)

Noun

Gaffel f (genitive Gaffel, plural Gaffeln)

1. (historical) a kind of medieval and early modern organisation in the Rhineland, especially the city of Cologne, similar to a craftsmen’s guild, but often with great political influence

Derived terms

• Gaffelhaus
• Gaffelmeister