grapnel

American  

[grap-nl] / ˈgræp 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 British  

/ 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

---

Etymology

Origin of grapnel

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

From Washington Post

We pulled in the pole and threw out the grapnel hook, watching the attached rope spin from its coil on the boat floor.

From Literature

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

From 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.

From Time

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

From Newsweek

Related Words

• fingernail
• paw
• tentacle