grappling iron

American  

noun

1. a grapnel.

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grappling iron British  

noun

1. a grapnel, esp one used for securing ships

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Etymology

Origin of grappling iron

First recorded in 1530–40

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Example Sentences

See Examples For:

grappling iron

Jimmy, the fair-haired pirate, hauled in on the alders and flung a grappling iron aboard my bank, which presently he ascended.

From The Lady and the Pirate Being the Plain Tale of a Diligent Pirate and a Fair Captive by Harry A. Mathes

A grappling iron was fastened for an anchor on to the end of the rope, a fresh chain of men was formed, and it was cast into the impenetrably shrouded abyss.

From The Vulture Maiden [Die Geier-Wally.] by Wilhelmine von Hillern

Little had I imagined how difficult it would be to move the grappling iron, so heavy was the great length of rope.

From The Treasure of the Tigris A Tale of Mesopotamia by A. F. Mockler Ferryman

The lower end of each line dragged the bottom by means of a small grappling iron, and at the surface it was secured to the buoy–rope of a cork float.

From Twenty Thousand Leagues Under the Sea by F. P. Walter

At our friend's request, his companion sprang into a boat, and let down the grappling iron, and, strange to say, brought up Mr. Thomas Hogg, of Ulceby, Lincolnshire.

From The Hero of the Humber or the History of the Late Mr. John Ellerthorpe by Henry Woodcock

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