| n. | 1. | (Naut.) A small anchor, with four or five flukes or claws, used to hold boats or small vessels; hence, any instrument designed to grapple or hold; a grappling iron; a grab; - written also grapline, and crapnel. |
| Noun | 1. | grapnel - a tool consisting of several hooks for grasping and holding; often thrown with a rope |
| 2. | grapnel - a light anchor for small boats Synonyms: grapnel anchor |