gaffer

name

1. A surname.

noun

Etymology: Likely a contraction of godfather, but with the vowels influenced by grandfather. Compare French compère, German Gevatter. Compare also Old English ġefædera (“godfather”), of which some unattested dialectal descendant may have been an influence.

1. An old person, usually a man.

   “If thou return not, Gammer o'er her pail Will sing in sorrow, 'neath the brinded cow, And Gaffer sigh over his nut-brown ale […]”

2. The leader of a group or team, such as a boss, foreman, coach, or publican.

   “And you're here to tell me what's what. Just like your bloody gaffer promised.”

3. A sailor.
4. The baby in the house.