grapnel

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grapnel

grap·nel

(grăp′nəl)

1. A small anchor with three or more flukes, especially one used for anchoring a small vessel. Also called grapple, grappling.

2. See grapple.

[Middle English grapenel, probably ultimately from Old French grapin, hook, diminutive of grape; see grape.]

American Heritage® Dictionary of the English Language, Fifth Edition. Copyright © 2016 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. All rights reserved.

grapnel

(ˈɡræpnəl)

1. (Tools) 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. (Nautical Terms) a light anchor for small boats

[C14: from Old French grapin a little hook, from grape a hook; see grape]

Collins English Dictionary – Complete and Unabridged, 12th Edition 2014 © HarperCollins Publishers 1991, 1994, 1998, 2000, 2003, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2011, 2014

grap•nel

art at grassy

(ˈgræp nl)

n.

1. a device consisting of one or more hooks or clamps for grasping or holding; grapple; grappling iron.

2. a small anchor with three or more flukes used for grappling or dragging or for anchoring a small boat.

[1325–75; < Old French grapin, diminutive of grape hook, grape]

grapnel

In naval mine warfare, a device fitted to a mine mooring designed to grapple the sweep wire when the mooring is cut.

Dictionary of Military and Associated Terms. US Department of Defense 2005.

ThesaurusAntonymsRelated WordsSynonymsLegend:

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Noun	1.	grapnel - a tool consisting of several hooks for grasping and holding; often thrown with a rope grapple, grappling hook, grappling iron, grappler crampon, crampoon - a hinged pair of curved iron bars; used to raise heavy objects claw, hook - a mechanical device that is curved or bent to suspend or hold or pull something tool - an implement used in the practice of a vocation
	2.	grapnel - a light anchor for small boats grapnel anchor anchor, ground tackle - a mechanical device that prevents a vessel from moving

Translations

naara

arpagone grappino raffio rampino

grapnel

[ˈgræpnəl] N → rezón m, arpeo m

Collins Spanish Dictionary - Complete and Unabridged 8th Edition 2005 © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1971, 1988 © HarperCollins Publishers 1992, 1993, 1996, 1997, 2000, 2003, 2005

grapnel

(= anchor) → (Dregg)anker m, → Draggen m (spec)

= grappling iron

Collins German Dictionary – Complete and Unabridged 7th Edition 2005. © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1980 © HarperCollins Publishers 1991, 1997, 1999, 2004, 2005, 2007

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References in classic literature ?

From it depended the trail rope and grapnel, and over the sides of the car were a number of canvas bags that Bert decided must be ballast to "chuck down" if the balloon fell.

He had one idea now very clear in his mind, and that was to drop the iron grapnel that hung from the ring.

He came low over the tree-tops, with his grapnel ready to throw and so anchor him--a curious, interested, and interesting guest, so his imagination figured it, in the very middle of it all.

"Grapnel," said Bert, and then with an afterthought shouted, "TETES there, you!

The grapnel smashed down a steeply sloping roof, followed by an avalanche of broken tiles, jumped the street amidst shrieks and cries, and smashed into a plate-glass window with an immense and sickening,impact.

Everybody was either trying to dodge the grapnel or catch the trail rope.

View in context

The balloon is furnished besides with a grapnel, and a guide-rope ; which latter is of the most indispensable importance.

The balloon was brought over the beach (the tide being out and the sand hard, smooth, and admirably adapted for a descent,) and the grapnel let go, which took firm hold at once.

View in context

If you can prove that his grapnel removed any portion of your roof, you had better rest your case on decoverture of domicile (see Parkins v.

View in context

Don't let reformers of any sort think that they are going really to lay hold of the working boys and young men of England by any educational grapnel whatever, which isn't some bona fide equivalent for the games of the old country "veast" in it; something to put in the place of the back-swording and wrestling and racing; something to try the muscles of men's bodies, and the endurance of their hearts, and to make them rejoice in their strength.

View in context

a mast and sail which I had made for her, and a thing like an anchor, but which, indeed, could not be called either anchor or grapnel; however, it was the best I could make of its kind: all these I removed, that there might not be the least shadow for discovery, or appearance of any boat, or of any human habitation upon the island.

View in context

With anxious grapnels I had sounded my pocket, and only brought up a few pieces of silver, --So, wherever you go, Ishmael, said I to myself, as I stood in the middle of a dreary street shouldering my bag, and comparing the gloom towards the north with the darkness towards the south --wherever in your wisdom you may conclude to lodge for the night, my dear Ishmael, be sure to inquire the price, and don't be too particular.