grapnel

American  

[grap-nl] / ˈgræp nl /

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.

---

grapnel British  

/ 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

---

Etymology

Origin of grapnel

1325–75; Middle English grapnel ( l ), diminutive of Old French grapin, diminutive of grape hook, grape

Example Sentences

You will have five miles to walk," said the captain, as he shook hands with me; "but Grapnel here will take you the shortest way and it will be light in an hour.

From Blackwood's Edinburgh Magazine, Volume 54, No. 334, August 1843 by Various

Grapnel," said Bert, and then with an afterthought shouted, "TETES there, you!

From The War in the Air by Wells, H. G. (Herbert George)

And we retrogressed over the velvet grass till our hind-wheels struck well-rolled gravel, leading us to sanity, main roads, and, half an hour later, the "Grapnel Inn" at Horsham.

From Traffics and Discoveries by Kipling, Rudyard

Humphry       Davy's experiments in 1813,—With two engravings       Electrical Grapnel for Submarine Cables and Torpedo Lines.—

From Scientific American Supplement, No. 430, March 29, 1884 by Various

There," said Grapnel, "I'll engage that he tricks them at last; while they are moving up to the fire, the cargo is moving up to the store.

From Blackwood's Edinburgh Magazine, Volume 54, No. 334, August 1843 by Various

Related Words

• fingernail
• paw
• tentacle