grapnel
[ grap-nl ]
/ ˈgræp nl /
noun
a device consisting essentially of one or more hooks or clamps, for grasping or holding something; grapple; grappling iron.
a small anchor with three or more flukes, used for grappling or dragging or for anchoring a small boat, as a skiff.
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Origin of grapnel
1325–75; Middle English grapnel(l), diminutive of Old French grapin, diminutive of grape hook, grape
Words nearby grapnel
graphology, graphomotor, graphophone, graphorrhea, graphotype, grapnel, grappa, grappelli, grappier cement, grapple, grapple ground
Dictionary.com Unabridged
Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2020
Example sentences from the Web for grapnel
British Dictionary definitions for grapnel
grapnel
/ (ˈɡræpnəl) /
noun
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
a light anchor for small boats
Word Origin for grapnel
C14: from Old French grapin a little hook, from grape a hook; see grape
Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition
© William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins
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