n.
Pronunciation: ' gra-p ə l
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 mastery
2 : a bucket similar to a clamshell but usually having more jaws