grapnel

[grap-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

/ 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

Word History and Origins

Origin of grapnel¹

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

Word History and Origins

Origin of grapnel¹

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

Example Sentences

According to an online video, the company sometimes uses grapnels to snag severed fiber-optic cables and haul them to the surface, where the ends are spliced back together.

Read more on Washington Post

Dad went to work getting the grapnel hook ready.

Read more on Literature

A moment later came the most jolting shock of all as the grapnel found a branch that held it fast.

Read more on Literature

There’s a built-in cowl respirator, a pneumatic tranquilizer gun, grapnel gun, strobe stun gun, two-radio, ultrasonic anti-dog device, and, of course, smoke bombs, Batarangs, and fireball shooting gear plus a bunch of other awesome functions.

Read more on Time

You lower down a grapnel, which is like a big shovel, and pull up each side of the cable and buoy them.

Read more on Newsweek

Related Words

• fingernail 
• paw 
• tentacle