SG Heritage Dictionary

Grapnel [\N] Webster's Dictionary 1828

1. GRAP'NEL

2. GRAP'PLE, verb transitive

3. To seize; to lay fast hold on, either with the hands or with hooks. We say, a man grapples his antagonist, or a ship grapples another ship.

4. To fasten; to fix, as the mind or heart. [Not in use.]

Grapnel [Noun] Webster's Dictionary 1828

1. A seizing; close hug in contest; the wrestler's hold.

2. Close fight.

3. A hook or iron instrument by which one ship fastens on another.

Grapnel [Verb intransitive] Webster's Dictionary 1828

1. To seize; to contend in close fight, as wrestlers.

2. To grapple with, to contend with, to struggle with successfully.

Grapnel [Noun] Webster's Dictionary 1913

A small anchor, with four or five flukes or claws, used to hold boats or small vessels; hence, any instrument designed to grapple or hold; a grappling iron; a grab; -- written also grapline, and crapnel.