v. & n.
--v.
1. intr. (often foll. by with) fight at close quarters or in close combat.
2 intr. (foll. by with) try to manage or overcome a difficult problem etc.
3 tr. a grip with the hands; come to close quarters with. b seize with or as with a grapnel; grasp.
--n.
1. a a hold or grip in or as in wrestling. b a contest at close quarters.
2 a clutching-instrument; a grapnel.
Phrases and idioms:
grappling-iron (or -hook) GRAPNEL.
Derivatives:
grappler n.
Etymology: OF grapil (n.) f. Prov., dimin. of grapa hook (as GRAPNEL)