gaffer

noun

1. the chief electrician on a motion-picture or television production.
2. Informal. an old man.
3. British. a foreman or overseer, especially the boss of a group of physical laborers.
4. Glassmaking. a master glassblower responsible for shaping glassware.

noun

1. an old man, esp one living in the country: often used affectionately or patronizinglyCompare gammer
2. informal, mainly British a boss, foreman, or owner of a factory, mine, etc
3. the senior electrician on a television or film set

n.

1580s, “elderly rustic,” apparently a contraction of godfather (cf. gammer); originally “old man,” it was applied from 1841 to foremen and supervisors, which sense carried over 20c. to “electrician in charge of lighting on a film set.”