[W/K] :: Monkey gaff

  Monkey \Mon"key\, n.; pl. Monkeys. [Cf. OIt. monicchio, It.
     monnino, dim. of monna an ape, also dame, mistress, contr.
     fr. madonna. See Madonna.]
     1. (Zool.)
        (a) In the most general sense, any one of the Quadrumana,
            including apes, baboons, and lemurs.
        (b) Any species of Quadrumana, except the lemurs.
        (c) Any one of numerous species of Quadrumana (esp. such
            as have a long tail and prehensile feet) exclusive of
            apes and baboons.
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     Note: The monkeys are often divided into three groups: ({a)
           Catarrhines, or Simidae. These have an oblong head,
           with the oblique flat nostrils near together. Some have
           no tail, as the apes. All these are natives of the Old
           World. ({b) Platyrhines, or Cebidae. These have a
           round head, with a broad nasal septum, so that the
           nostrils are wide apart and directed downward. The tail
           is often prehensile, and the thumb is short and not
           opposable. These are natives of the New World. ({c)
           Strepsorhines, or Lemuroidea. These have a pointed
           head with curved nostrils. They are natives of Southern
           Asia, Africa, and Madagascar.
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     2. A term of disapproval, ridicule, or contempt, as for a
        mischievous child.
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              This is the monkey's own giving out; she is
              persuaded I will marry her.           --Shak.
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     3. The weight or hammer of a pile driver, that is, a very
        heavy mass of iron, which, being raised on high, falls on
        the head of the pile, and drives it into the earth; the
        falling weight of a drop hammer used in forging.
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     4. A small trading vessel of the sixteenth century.
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     Monkey boat. (Naut.)
        (a) A small boat used in docks.
        (b) A half-decked boat used on the River Thames.
  
     Monkey block (Naut.), a small single block strapped with a
        swivel. --R. H. Dana, Jr.
  
     Monkey flower (Bot.), a plant of the genus Mimulus; -- so
        called from the appearance of its gaping corolla. --Gray.
  
     Monkey gaff (Naut.), a light gaff attached to the topmast
        for the better display of signals at sea.
  
     Monkey jacket, a short closely fitting jacket, worn by
        sailors.
  
     Monkey rail (Naut.), a second and lighter rail raised about
        six inches above the quarter rail of a ship.
  
     Monkey shine, monkey trick. [Slang, U.S.]
  
     Monkey trick, a mischievous prank. --Saintsbury.
  
     Monkey wheel. See Gin block, under 5th Gin.
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