Dictionaries of the Scots Language
Dictionars o the Scots Leid

Scottish National Dictionary (1700–)

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First published 1960 (SND Vol. V).
This entry has not been updated since then but may contain minor corrections and revisions.

HUGGIE-STAFF, n.comb. Also huggistaf(f), huggy-; houggy-; hoggi-; and curtailed form huggie (Sh. 1952 J. K. Hunter Taen wi da Trow 93). A gaff, a strong hook mounted on a stout handle used for hauling aboard a large fish after it has been caught (Sh. a.1838 Jam. MSS. XII. 109, Sh. 1957). [′hʌgi-]Sh. 1845 Stat. Acc.² XV. 131:
One man hauls the lines, another strikes the fish as they come to the surface, with a clip or huggie staff.Sh. 1888 B. R. Anderson Broken Lights 79:
When Nickie soucht da fardest haaf He pointed wi' da huggy-staff.Sh. 1950 A. Halcrow Sail Fishermen 71:
It might be a case of all hands and the huggi-staff before the halibut was secured and finally quietened.