The Collaborative International Dictionary
Grapple \Grap"ple\, n. [See Grapple, v. t., and cf. Crapple.]
A seizing or seizure; close hug in contest; the wrestler's hold.
--Milton.An instrument, usually with hinged claws, for seizing and holding fast to an object; a grab.
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(Naut.) A grappling iron.
The iron hooks and grapples keen.
--Spenser.Grapple plant (Bot.), 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 (Life-saving Service), 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.
Usage examples of "grapple shot".
He fired and the grapple shot out, hitting its target dead center.
The grapple shot hooked itself well into the jumbled rock pieces piled above the smooth mountain base.