— grappler , n.
/grap"euhl/ , v. , grappled, grappling , n.
v.i.
1. to hold or make fast to something, as with a grapple.
2. to use a grapple.
3. to seize another, or each other, in a firm grip, as in wrestling; clinch.
4. to engage in a struggle or close encounter (usually fol. by with ): He was grappling with a boy twice his size.
5. to try to overcome or deal (usually fol. by with ): to grapple with a problem.
v.t.
6. to seize, hold, or fasten with or as with a grapple.
7. to seize in a grip, take hold of: The thug grappled him around the neck.
n.
8. a hook or an iron instrument by which one thing, as a ship, fastens onto another; grapnel.
9. a seizing or gripping.
10. a grip or close hold in wrestling or hand-to-hand fighting.
11. a close, hand-to-hand fight.
[ 1520-30; appar. a freq. of OE gegraeppian to seize; associated with GRAPNEL ]
Syn. 5. struggle, contend, wrestle, cope, tussle.