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.
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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
graphorrhea, Graphotype, graph paper, graph theory, -graphy, grapnel, grappa, Grappelli, grappier cement, grapple, grapple ground
Dictionary.com Unabridged
Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2021
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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
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