First Known Use: 14th century
Dictionary
grapnel
noun grap·nel \ˈgrap-nəl\
Definition of GRAPNEL
: 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
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Origin of GRAPNEL
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
Rhymes with GRAPNEL
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