grapnel

grap·nel  (grpnl)

n.

1. Nautical A small anchor with three or more flukes, especially one used for anchoring a small vessel. Also called grapple, grappling.

2. See grapple.

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[Middle English grapenel, probably ultimately from Old French grapin, hook, diminutive of grape; see grape.]

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grapnel

Noun

a device with several hooks at one end, which is used to grasp or secure an object, esp. in sailing [Old French grapin a little hook]

Thesaurus

Noun	1.	grapnel - a tool consisting of several hooks for grasping and holding; often thrown with a rope grapple, grappling hook, grappling iron, grappler crampon, crampoon - a hinged pair of curved iron bars; used to raise heavy objects claw, hook - a mechanical device that is curved or bent to suspend or hold or pull something tool - an implement used in the practice of a vocation
	2.	grapnel - a light anchor for small boats grapnel anchor anchor, ground tackle - a mechanical device that prevents a vessel from moving

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In naval mine warfare, a device fitted to a mine mooring designed to grapple the sweep wire when the mooring is cut.