GNU Collaborative International Dictionary of English

last match results

Found 3 definitions

1.       
   Grapple , 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.]
   To seize; to lay fast hold of; to attack at close quarters: as, to grapple an antagonist.
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   To fasten, as with a grapple; to fix; to join indissolubly.
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   The gallies were grappled to the Centurion.
   Hakluyt.
   
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   Grapple them to thy soul with hoops of steel.
   Shak.
   
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2.       
   Grapple, 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.
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   To grapple with, to enter into contest with, resolutely and courageously.
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   And in my standard bear the arms of York,
   To grapple with the house of Lancaster.
   Shak.
   
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3.       
   Grapple, n. [See Grapple, v. t., and cf. Crapple.]
   A seizing or seizure; close hug in contest; the wrestler's hold.
   Milton.
   
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   (a) An instrument, usually with hinged claws, for seizing and holding fast to an object; a grab. (b) (Naut.) A grappling iron.
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   The iron hooks and grapples keen.
   Spenser.
   
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   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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