rappel

[ ra-pel, ruh- ]
/ ræˈpɛl, rə- /

noun

(in mountaineering) the act or method of moving down a steep incline or past an overhang by means of a double rope secured above and placed around the body, usually under the left thigh and over the right shoulder, and paid out gradually in the descent.

verb (used without object), rap·pelled, rap·pel·ling.

to descend by means of a rappel.

Origin of rappel

1930–35; < French: mountaineering term, literally, a recall. See repeal

Words nearby rappel

rapoport test, rapp, rappahannock, rapparee, rappee, rappel, rappen, rapper, rapping, rappini, rappist

Example sentences from the Web for rappelling

British Dictionary definitions for rappelling

rappel
/ (ræˈpɛl) /

verb -pels, -pelling or -pelled

another word (esp US) for abseil

noun

another word (esp US) for abseil
(formerly) a drumbeat to call soldiers to arms

Word Origin for rappel

C19: from French, from rappeler to call back, from Latin appellāre to summon