Definition

1. Noun:
   • A small anchor with multiple hooks or claws: A grapnel is a type of anchor, typically lightweight, designed for small boats or temporary mooring. It has several curved arms (flukes) that dig into the seabed.
   • A multi-pronged hook used for grasping or dragging: A grapnel is also a tool or device featuring several hooks, designed to catch onto or secure objects. It is often attached to a rope and thrown to retrieve items or secure a hold.

Usage Examples

• Noun:
  • The sailor threw the grapnel overboard to secure the dinghy.
  • Rescuers used a grapnel to retrieve the equipment that had fallen into the ravine.

Advanced Usage

• "To cast/throw a grapnel": To heave or launch a grapnel, typically with a rope attached, in order to hook onto something.
  • The crew cast a grapnel to try and snag the drifting buoy.
• "Grapnel anchor": A specific term for a grapnel used as a boat anchor.
  • For our lightweight kayak, a grapnel anchor is perfectly sufficient.

Variants and Related Words

• Grapple (verb): To struggle or wrestle with; to try to grasp or hold something securely. (Note: While related in concept, "grapple" is a distinct word, often used as a verb.)
• Grappling hook/iron (noun): A synonym for a grapnel, especially when referring to its use as a tool for grasping. This is often considered a compound term.
  • The grappling hook clattered against the castle wall.

Synonyms

• Kedge (noun): A light anchor, but typically one used for warping or moving a ship, not necessarily multi-pronged like a grapnel.
• Hook (noun): A simple curved device for catching, but a grapnel specifically has multiple hooks.

Related Phrases

• "To set a grapnel": To deploy a grapnel anchor so its hooks embed in the bottom.
  • We need to set the grapnel properly before the tide changes.
• "Grapnel line": The rope or line attached to a grapnel.
  • He carefully coiled the grapnel line on the deck.

Noun

1. a light anchor for small boats
2. a tool consisting of several hooks for grasping and holding; often thrown with a rope