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View synonyms for grapnel

grapnel

[ grap-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

/ 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
“Collins English Dictionary — Complete & Unabridged” 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012


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Word History and Origins

Origin of grapnel1

1325–75; Middle English grapnel ( l ), diminutive of Old French grapin, diminutive of grape hook, grape
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Word History and Origins

Origin of grapnel1

C14: from Old French grapin a little hook, from grape a hook; see grape
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Example Sentences

(←) n general term for fish net, grapnel dragged along the bottom.

They slept fairly and, at daybreak, got up the grapnel and hoisted the sail again.

Or, by the accidental use of a grapnel, they would chance to fish up some bottles of valuable "bay-oil" from the bottom.

I found landing impracticable and therefore came to a grapnel, in hopes of their coming to us, for we had passed several fires.

Our grapnel was foul but Providence here assisted us; the fluke broke and we got to our oars and pulled to sea.

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-graphygrappa