Adjacent Words

Grapple plant definitions

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Webster's 1913 Dictionary

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. 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.