Webster's English Dictionary

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grapple

1. grap.ple \'grap-*l\ n [MF grappelle, dim. of grape hook - more at GRAPE] 
   1a: an instrument with iron claws used to fasten an enemy ship alongside be 
   fore boarding 1b: GRAPNEL  2: a hand-to-hand struggle  3: a bucket similar 
   to a clamshell 
2. grapple \'grap-(*-)lin\ \-(*-)l*r\ vb or grap.pling 1: to seize with or 
   as if with a grapple  2: to come to grips with : WRESTLE  3: to bind 
   closely  1: to make a ship fast with a grapple  2: to come to grips : 
   WRESTLE  3: to use a grapple  - grap.pler n