grappling hook

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.

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.

To seize and hold, as with a grapple.

To seize firmly, as with the hands.

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

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

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