View synonyms for grapnel

grapnel

[ grap-nl ]

Phonetic (Standard)IPA

noun

a device consisting essentially of one or more hooks or clamps, for grasping or holding something; grapple; grappling iron.
a small anchor with three or more flukes, used for grappling or dragging or for anchoring a small boat, as a skiff.

grapnel

/ ˈɡræpnəl /

a device with a multiple hook at one end and attached to a rope, which is thrown or hooked over a firm mooring to secure an object attached to the other end of the rope
a light anchor for small boats

Origin of grapnel¹

1325–75; Middle English grapnel ( l ), diminutive of Old French grapin, diminutive of grape hook, grape

Origin of grapnel¹

C14: from Old French grapin a little hook, from grape a hook; see grape

(←) n general term for fish net, grapnel dragged along the bottom.

They slept fairly and, at daybreak, got up the grapnel and hoisted the sail again.

Or, by the accidental use of a grapnel, they would chance to fish up some bottles of valuable "bay-oil" from the bottom.

I found landing impracticable and therefore came to a grapnel, in hopes of their coming to us, for we had passed several fires.

Our grapnel was foul but Providence here assisted us; the fluke broke and we got to our oars and pulled to sea.

April 19, 2024tortuous

[tawr-choo-uhs ]

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