grapnel

Meaning

Noun

1. A small anchor, having more than two flukes, used for anchoring a small vessel.
2. 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.
3. A grappling iron.

Verb

To connect (ships) with a grapnel.

Synonyms

grapple

grappling iron

grappling hook

drag

grappler

grapnel anchor

anchor

⚓

grasp

hook

🪝

kedge

plunder

rapine

ravishment

robbery

seizure

snatch

swoop

tongs

sea anchor

devil’s claw

pole climber

boat hook

crampon

crook

depredation

drogue

grappling-iron

Translations

arpagone

grappino

grappin

dreg

raffio

Suchanker

Enterhaken

αρπαγή

κερκέτης

μικρή άγκυρα

τσιγκέλι

ancre

⚓

ancoretta

werpanker

Pronounced as (IPA)

/ˈɡɹæpnəl/

Etymology

Inherited from Middle English: grapnel

Cognate with French: grappin

In summary

From Middle English grapnel, from Anglo-Norman, from Old French grapil, grapin. Compare modern French grappin.