- grapnel
- \ \ see GRAPE
Word origins - 2ed. J. Ayto. 2005.
grapnel
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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… … The Collaborative International Dictionary of English
grapnel — small hook, late 14c., Anglo French dim. of grapon, from O.Fr. grapil, grapin hook, dim. of grape hook (see GRAPE (Cf. grape)). Earlier form was grapel (see GRAPPLE (Cf. grapple)) … Etymology dictionary
grapnel — ► NOUN 1) a grappling hook. 2) a small anchor with several flukes. ORIGIN Old French grapon, related to GRAPE(Cf. ↑grapey) … English terms dictionary
grapnel — [grap′nəl] n. [ME grapnell, dim. < OFr grapin, grapil < Prov < grapa, a hook < Frank * krappo: see GRAPE] a small anchor with usually four or five curved, pointed arms, used for anchoring a small boat, dragging the bottom for objects … English World dictionary
grapnel — /grap nl/, n. 1. a device consisting essentially of one or more hooks or clamps, for grasping or holding something; grapple; grappling iron. 2. a small anchor with three or more flukes, used for grappling or dragging or for anchoring a small boat … Universalium
grapnel — kablys statusas T sritis Gynyba apibrėžtis Laivyno minų kare – grandinės įtaisas, skirtas tralui sugriebti, kai nukertama minos grandinė. atitikmenys: angl. grapnel pranc. grappin … NATO terminų aiškinamasis žodynas
grapnel anchor — noun a light anchor for small boats • Syn: ↑grapnel • Hypernyms: ↑anchor, ↑ground tackle … Useful english dictionary
grapnel — In naval mine warfare, a device fitted to a mine mooring designed to grapple the sweep wire when the mooring is cut … Military dictionary
grapnel — noun Etymology: Middle English grapenel, from Anglo French grapinel, diminutive of Middle French grapin, diminutive of Old French grape hook, grape stalk, bunch of grapes more at grape Date: 14th century a small anchor with usually four or five… … New Collegiate Dictionary
grapnel — noun /ˈɡɹæpnəl/ a) A small anchor, having more than two flukes, used for anchoring a small vessel. b) A grappling iron … Wiktionary
grapnel — see GRAPE … The Hutchinson dictionary of word origins
