GRAP'NEL GRAP'PLE, verb transitive 1. To seize; to lay fast hold on, either with the hands or with hooks. We say, a man grapples his antagonist, or a ship grapples another ship. 2. To fasten; to fix, as the mind or heart. [Not in use.] GRAP'PLE, verb intransitive To seize; to contend in close fight, as wrestlers. To grapple with, to contend with, to struggle with successfully. GRAP'PLE, noun A seizing; close hug in contest; the wrestler's hold. 1. Close fight. 2. A hook or iron instrument by which one ship fastens on another.
Source: Webster's 1828 American Dictionary ↗ · public-domain · returned verbatim, no AI