grapnel

[ grap-nl ]
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noun
  1. a device consisting essentially of one or more hooks or clamps, for grasping or holding something; grapple; grappling iron.

  2. 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

1
1325–75; Middle English grapnel(l), diminutive of Old French grapin, diminutive of grape hook, grape
  • Also called grapeline, grap·lin, grap·line [grap-lin]. /ˈgræp lɪn/.

Words Nearby grapnel

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British Dictionary definitions for grapnel

grapnel

/ (ˈɡræpnəl) /


noun
  1. 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

  2. a light anchor for small boats

Origin of grapnel

1
C14: from Old French grapin a little hook, from grape a hook; see grape

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