Dictionary definitions
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grapple
From The Collaborative International Dictionary of English v.0.48:
Grapple \Grap"ple\, v. i. To use a grapple; to contend in close fight; to attach one's self as if by a grapple, as in wrestling; to close; to seize one another. [1913 Webster] To grapple with, to enter into contest with, resolutely and courageously. [1913 Webster] And in my standard bear the arms of York, To grapple with the house of Lancaster. --Shak. [1913 Webster] .
From The Collaborative International Dictionary of English v.0.48:
Grapple \Grap"ple\, n. [See Grapple, v. t., and cf. Crapple.]
1. A seizing or seizure; close hug in contest; the wrestler's
hold. --Milton.
[1913 Webster]
2.
(a) An instrument, usually with hinged claws, for seizing
and holding fast to an object; a grab.
(b) (Naut.) A grappling iron.
[1913 Webster]
The iron hooks and grapples keen. --Spenser.
[1913 Webster]
Grapple plant (Bot.), a South African herb ({Herpagophytum
leptocarpum}) having the woody fruits armed with long
hooked or barbed thorns by which they adhere to cattle,
causing intense annoyance.
Grapple shot (Life-saving Service), a projectile, to which
are attached hinged claws to catch in a ship's rigging or
to hold in the ground; -- called also anchor shot.
[1913 Webster]
.
From The Collaborative International Dictionary of English v.0.48:
Grapple \Grap"ple\, v. t. [imp. & p. p. Grappled; p. pr. & vb. n. Grappling.] [F. grappiller, OF. graypil the grapple of a ship, fr. graper to pluck, prop., to seize, clutch; of German origin. See Grape.] 1. To seize; to lay fast hold of; to attack at close quarters: as, to grapple an antagonist. [1913 Webster] 2. To fasten, as with a grapple; to fix; to join indissolubly. [1913 Webster] The gallies were grappled to the Centurion. --Hakluyt. [1913 Webster] Grapple them to thy soul with hoops of steel. --Shak. [1913 Webster]
