Crossword Genius

Song of a sailor’s gaff (5)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

abode

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'song of a sailor's gaff' is the definition.
The answer and definition can be both man-made objects as well as being singular nouns.
Maybe you can see a link between them that I don't see?

'sailor's gaff' is the wordplay.
'sailor' becomes 'ab' (abbreviation for able seaman).
'gaff' becomes 'ode' (I can't justify this - if you can you should believe this answer much more).
'ab'+'ode'='ABODE'

Can you help me to learn more?

(Other definitions for abode that I've seen before include "House, home" , "House made of adobe" , "Home or domicile" , "Place of residence" , "Where one lives" .)

I've seen this clue in The Independent.
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