grapnel
[ grap-nl ]
/ ˈgræp nl /
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.
Origin of grapnel
1325–75; Middle English
grapnel(l), diminutive of Old French
grapin, diminutive of
grape hook,
grape
Words nearby grapnel
graphology,
graphomotor,
graphophone,
graphorrhea,
graphotype,
grapnel,
grappa,
grappelli,
grappier cement,
grapple,
grapple ground
Example sentences from the Web for grapnel
British Dictionary definitions for grapnel
grapnel
/ (ˈɡræpnəl) /
noun
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
Word Origin for grapnel
C14: from Old French
grapin a little hook, from
grape a hook; see
grape