rappel

[ ra-pel, ruh- ]

noun

1. (in mountaineering) the act or method of moving down a steep incline or past an overhang by means of a double rope secured above and placed around the body, usually under the left thigh and over the right shoulder, and paid out gradually in the descent.

verb (used without object)

, rap·pelled, rap·pel·ling.

1. to descend by means of a rappel.

rappel

/ ræˈpɛl /

verb

1. See abseil
   another word (esp US) for abseil

noun

1. See abseil
   another word (esp US) for abseil
2. (formerly) a drumbeat to call soldiers to arms

Word History and Origins

Origin of rappel¹

1930–35; < French: mountaineering term, literally, a recall. See repeal

Word History and Origins

Origin of rappel¹

C19: from French, from rappeler to call back, from Latin appellāre to summon

Example Sentences

They encountered problems near the canyon’s exit when Arvig overshot a small rock ledge, where he needed to re-anchor his rope for the final rappel to the ground.

From Outside Online

I thought they’d get to the edge of the cliff, harness and helmet on, take a peek over the edge of a 1,000-foot-deep gorge, and back out of their first rappel.

From Outside Online

Then we were taught how to both rappel and fast-rope from a helicopter.

From The Daily Beast

A beener or D ring was attached to each trainee via a rappel seat that went around his waist and upper thighs.

From The Daily Beast

In time the X Troop was trained to rappel and parachute; to use guns, bayonets and knives; and even to kill with bare hands.

From The Daily Beast

He paraglided, scuba dived, and even tried to rappel down Mt. Rushmore before he was rebuffed by park officials.

From The Daily Beast

Unfortunately Fox and Rappel were beginning to tire; they sank deeper in the snow and no longer neighed joyfully.

From Project Gutenberg

The darkness was now such that I thought it prudent to drop my bridle on Rappel's neck.

From Project Gutenberg

Ten times a day, or in the dead of night, the drum would beat le rappel or la générale.

From Project Gutenberg

Since six o'clock in the morning D'Aurelles had had the rappel beaten in the central quarters, but in vain.

From Project Gutenberg

The rappel had been beaten all night in the Batignolles, and had called out the sedentary guards and the youths.

From Project Gutenberg