Grapple /(?)/
Grap·ple
Grapple
v. t.
imp. & p. p. Grappled; p. pr. & vb. n. Grappling
- To seize; to lay fast hold of; to attack at close quarters: as, to grapple an antagonist.
-
To fasten, as with a grapple; to fix; to join indissolubly.
The gallies were grappled to the Centurion.
Grapple them to thy soul with hoops of steel.
Grapple
v. i.
-
To use a grapple; to contend in close fight; to attach one's self as if by a grapple, as in wrestling; to close; to seize one another.
And in my standard bear the arms of York, To grapple with the house of Lancaster.
Phrases & Compounds
- To grapple with
- to enter into contest with, resolutely and courageously.
Grapple
n.
- A seizing or seizure; close hug in contest; the wrestler's hold.
-
An instrument, usually with hinged claws, for seizing and holding fast to an object; a grab. (Naut.)
The iron hooks and grapples keen.
Phrases & Compounds
- Grapple plant
- a South African herb (Herpagophytum leptocarpum) having the woody fruits armed with long hooked or barbed thorns by which they adhere to cattle, causing intense annoyance.
- Grapple shot
- a projectile, to which are attached hinged claws to catch in a ship's rigging or to hold in the ground; -- called also anchor shot.