grapnel

noun

grap·​nel ˈgrap-nᵊl 

: a small anchor with usually four or five flukes used especially to recover a sunken object or to anchor a small boat see anchor illustration

Examples of grapnel in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

The Seachoice grapnel anchor has a clevis link to attach the anchor rope. —Ric Burnley, Field & Stream, 9 Jan. 2023

Word History

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

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined above

Kids Definition

grapnel

noun

grap·​nel ˈgrap-nᵊl 

: a small anchor with pointed hooks or claws