Grap·ple, n.
 1. A seizing or seizure; close hug in contest; the wrestler's hold.
 2. (a) An instrument, usually with hinged claws, for seizing and holding fast to an object; a grab. (b) Naut. A grappling iron.
    The iron hooks and grapples keen.   --Spenser.
 Grapple plant Bot., a South African herb (Herpagophytum leptocarpum) having the woody fruits armed with long hooked or barbed thorns by which they adhere to cattle, causing intense annoyance.
 Grapple shot Life-saving Service, a projectile, to which are attached hinged claws to catch in a ship's rigging or to hold in the ground; -- called also anchor shot.
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