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grapnel

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Grapnel
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grap⋅nel

  [grap-nl]
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–noun
1. a device consisting essentially of one or more hooks or clamps, for grasping or holding something; grapple; grappling iron.
2. a small anchor with three or more flukes, used for grappling or dragging or for anchoring a small boat, as a skiff.
Also called grapeline, grap⋅lin, grap⋅line  [grap-lin] .

Origin:
1325–75; ME grapnel(l), dim. of OF grapin, dim. of grape hook, grape
Dictionary.com Unabridged
Based on the Random House Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2009.
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Grapnel
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grap·nel   (grāp'nəl)   
n.  

  1. Nautical A small anchor with three or more flukes, especially one used for anchoring a small vessel. Also called grapple, grappling.

  2. See grapple.


[Middle English grapenel, probably ultimately from Old French grapin, hook, diminutive of grape; see grape.]
grap·ple   (grāp'əl)   
n.  

    1. An iron shaft with claws at one end, usually thrown by a rope and used for grasping and holding, especially one for drawing and holding an enemy ship alongside. Also called grapnel, grappling, grappling hook, grappling iron.

    2. Nautical See grapnel.

    3. A struggle or contest in which the participants attempt to clutch or grip each other.

    4. A struggle for superiority or dominance.

  2. The act of grappling.

    1. A struggle or contest in which the participants attempt to clutch or grip each other.

    2. A struggle for superiority or dominance.

v.   grap·pled, grap·pling, grap·ples

v.   tr.

  1. To seize and hold, as with a grapple.

  2. To seize firmly, as with the hands.

v.   intr.

  1. To hold onto something with or as if with a grapple.

  2. To use a grapple or similar device, as for dragging.

  3. To struggle, in or as if in wrestling: grappled with their consciences; grapple with the political realities of our time.


[Middle English grapel, from Old French grapil, diminutive of grape, hook; see grape.]
grap'pler n.
The American Heritage® Dictionary of the English Language, Fourth Edition
Copyright © 2009 by Houghton Mifflin Company.
Published by Houghton Mifflin Company. All rights reserved.
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Word Origin & History

grapnel 
1373, Anglo-Fr. dim. of O.Fr. grapil "hook," from grape "hook" (see grape).
Online Etymology Dictionary, © 2001 Douglas Harper
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