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grapnel (n.)

"small hook," especially one fixed on a rope and thrown for seizing and holding, late 14c., grapenel, from an assumed Anglo-French diminutive of grapon, from Old French grapil, grapin "hook," diminutive of grape "hook" (see grape). Earlier form was grapel (compare grapple (n.)).

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Definitions of grapnel from WordNet

grapnel (n.)
a tool consisting of several hooks for grasping and holding; often thrown with a rope;
Synonyms: grapple / grappler / grappling hook / grappling iron
grapnel (n.)
a light anchor for small boats;
Synonyms: grapnel anchor
From wordnet.princeton.edu