grapnel

grap·nel

noun \ˈgrap-n^əl\

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

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

First Known Use: 14th century

Rhymes with GRAPNEL

shrapnel