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View synonyms for grapnel

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
“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
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Word History and Origins

Origin of grapnel1

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

Origin of grapnel1

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

Dad went to work getting the grapnel hook ready.

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

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.

From Time

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

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