grappling iron

American  

noun

1. a grapnel.

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grappling iron British  

noun

1. a grapnel, esp one used for securing ships

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Etymology

Origin of grappling iron

First recorded in 1530–40

Example Sentences

One look was enough to tell them it was from this craft that the grappling iron had been let down, and as the submarine drifted nearer the form of Hardley was seen on deck.

From Tom Swift and His Undersea Search, or, the Treasure on the Floor of the Atlantic by Appleton, Victor [pseud.]

Then he took his naked sword in one hand and his grappling iron in the other, and repairing to the Khalif's pavilion, cast his grapnel on to the roof.

From The Book of the Thousand Nights and One Night, Volume III by Payne, John

Jimmy, the fair-haired pirate, hauled in on the alders and flung a grappling iron aboard my bank, which presently he ascended.

From The Lady and the Pirate Being the Plain Tale of a Diligent Pirate and a Fair Captive by Mathes, Harry A.

At our friend's request, his companion sprang into a boat, and let down the grappling iron, and, strange to say, brought up Mr. Thomas Hogg, of Ulceby, Lincolnshire.

From The Hero of the Humber or the History of the Late Mr. John Ellerthorpe by Woodcock, Henry

“Weel, lad, what luck?” enquired Spink, as Swankie and he met—the former with a grappling iron on his shoulder, the latter staggering under the weight of a mass of metal.

From The Lighthouse by Ballantyne, R. M. (Robert Michael)

Related Words

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