Grapnel

2 definitions found

From The Collaborative International Dictionary of English v.0.48 [gcide]:

  Grapnel \Grap"nel\, n. [OE. grapenel, dim. fr. F. grappin the
     grapple of a ship; of German origin. See {Grape}.] (Naut.)
     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.


     [1913 Webster]

From WordNet (r) 2.0 [wn]:

  grapnel
       n 1: a tool consisting of several hooks for grasping and holding;
            often thrown with a rope [syn: {grapple}, {grappler}, {grappling
            hook}, {grappling iron}]
       2: a light anchor for small boats [syn: {grapnel anchor}]