Main Entry:

¹grap·ple

Pronunciation:

\ˈgra-pəl\

Function:

noun

Etymology:

Middle English grappel grappling hook, from Old French *grappelle, diminutive of grape hook — more at grape

Date:

1601

1 a: the act or an instance of grappling b: a hand-to-hand struggle c: a contest for superiority or mastery2: a bucket similar to a clamshell but usually having more jaws