'Grapple' definitions:
Definition of 'grapple'
(from WordNet)
noun
A tool consisting of several hooks for grasping and holding; often thrown with a rope [syn: grapnel, grapple, grappler, grappling hook, grappling iron]
noun
A dredging bucket with hinges like the shell of a clam [syn: clamshell, grapple]
noun
The act of engaging in close hand-to-hand combat; "they had a fierce wrestle"; "we watched his grappling and wrestling with the bully" [syn: wrestle, wrestling, grapple, grappling, hand-to-hand struggle]
verb
Come to terms with; "We got by on just a gallon of gas"; "They made do on half a loaf of bread every day" [syn: cope, get by, make out, make do, contend, grapple, deal, manage]
verb
To grip or seize, as in a wrestling match; "the two men grappled with each other for several minutes" [syn: grapple, grip]
Definition of 'Grapple'
From: GCIDE
- Grapple \Grap"ple\, v. t. [imp. & p. p. Grappled; p. pr. & vb. n. Grappling.] [F. grappiller, OF. graypil the grapple of a ship, fr. graper to pluck, prop., to seize, clutch; of German origin. See Grape.]
- 1. To seize; to lay fast hold of; to attack at close quarters: as, to grapple an antagonist. [1913 Webster]
- 2. To fasten, as with a grapple; to fix; to join indissolubly. [1913 Webster]
- The gallies were grappled to the Centurion. --Hakluyt. [1913 Webster]
- Grapple them to thy soul with hoops of steel. --Shak. [1913 Webster]
Definition of 'Grapple'
From: GCIDE
- Grapple \Grap"ple\, v. i. To use a grapple; to contend in close fight; to attach one's self as if by a grapple, as in wrestling; to close; to seize one another. [1913 Webster]
- To grapple with, to enter into contest with, resolutely and courageously. [1913 Webster]
- And in my standard bear the arms of York, To grapple with the house of Lancaster. --Shak. [1913 Webster]
Definition of 'Grapple'
From: GCIDE
- Grapple \Grap"ple\, n. [See Grapple, v. t., and cf. Crapple.]
- 1. A seizing or seizure; close hug in contest; the wrestler's hold. --Milton. [1913 Webster]
- 2. (a) An instrument, usually with hinged claws, for seizing and holding fast to an object; a grab. (b) (Naut.) A grappling iron. [1913 Webster]
- The iron hooks and grapples keen. --Spenser. [1913 Webster]
- 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. [1913 Webster]
Synonyms of 'grapple'
From: Moby Thesaurus
- abduct,
- adhere to,
- affix,
- anchor,
- annex,
- attach,
- battle,
- bear hug,
- belay,
- bite,
- box,
- brawl,
- broil,
- carry off,
- catch,
- cement,
- cinch,
- clamp,
- clash,
- clasp,
- cleave to,
- clench,
- clinch,
- cling,
- clinging,
- clip,
- close,
- clutch,
- collide,
- combat,
- come to blows,
- contend,
- contend with,
- contest,
- cope with,
- cramp,
- cut and thrust,
- deal with,
- death grip,
- duel,
- embrace,
- engraft,
- exchange blows,
- face,
- fasten,
- fence,
- feud,
- fight,
- fight a duel,
- firm hold,
- fix,
- foothold,
- footing,
- freeze to,
- give and take,
- give satisfaction,
- grab,
- graft,
- grapple with,
- grasp,
- grip,
- gripe,
- hang on,
- hang on to,
- hold,
- hold fast,
- hold on,
- hold on to,
- hold tight,
- hug,
- iron grip,
- jostle,
- joust,
- keep hold of,
- kidnap,
- knit,
- make fast,
- mix it up,
- moor,
- nab,
- nail,
- never let go,
- nip,
- purchase,
- put to,
- quarrel,
- rassle,
- riot,
- run a tilt,
- scramble,
- screw up,
- scuffle,
- secure,
- seize,
- seizure,
- set,
- set to,
- shanghai,
- skirmish,
- snatch,
- spar,
- stick to,
- strive,
- struggle,
- struggle with,
- tackle,
- take,
- take on,
- tenure,
- throttle,
- thrust and parry,
- tight grip,
- tighten,
- tilt,
- toehold,
- tourney,
- trice up,
- trim,
- tussle,
- wage war,
- war,
- wrestle