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grapnel

[ grap-nl ]
/ ˈgræp nl /
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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.

RELATED WORDS

tentacle, paw, fingernail, mainstay, grasp, restraint, constraint, curve, talon, nipper, crook, hook, barb, spur, unguis, clapperclaw, fang, manus, grappler, grip

Nearby words

  1. graphophone,
  2. graphophonic,
  3. graphorrhea,
  4. graphotype,
  5. grapline,
  6. grappa,
  7. grappelli,
  8. grappier cement,
  9. grapple,
  10. grapple ground

Origin of grapnel

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/.
Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2019

Examples 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 Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

Word Origin and History for grapnel

grapnel

n.

"small hook," late 14c., Anglo-French diminutive of grapon, from Old French grapil, grapin "hook," diminutive of grape "hook" (see grape). Earlier form was grapel (see grapple).

Online Etymology Dictionary, © 2010 Douglas Harper