grappling iron

noun

1. a grapnel.

grappling iron

noun

1. a grapnel, esp one used for securing ships

Word History and Origins

Origin of grappling iron¹

First recorded in 1530–40

Example Sentences

The grappling irons were thrown; the two hulls came together; the American boarders poured over her bulwarks, pike and cutlass in hand, ready for a fight.

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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.

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The ones from Miura cattle farm have horns like grappling irons.

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

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When the Carthaginian came up to ram or shear the oars of the Roman, huge grappling irons seized him and the Roman soldiers swarmed aboard him.

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Related Words

• mainstay