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

Word History and Origins

Origin of grapnel¹

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

Word History and Origins

Origin of grapnel¹

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

Example Sentences

Dad went to work getting the grapnel hook ready.

From Literature

Dad said that if the kayak was still there, we could snare it with the grapnel hook, which was actually an extra anchor he kept on board.

From Literature

We pulled in the pole and threw out the grapnel hook, watching the attached rope spin from its coil on the boat floor.

From Literature

The basket was tossing and lurching so violently it was hard to tell if they were going down, and the gusts were so sudden and wayward that they might easily have been blown high into the sky without knowing; but after a minute or so Lee felt a sudden snag and knew the grapnel had caught on a branch.

From Literature

A moment later came the most jolting shock of all as the grapnel found a branch that held it fast.

From Literature

Related Words

• constraint
• grasp
• restraint