grappling hook

• (General American) enPR: grăpʹ(ə-)lĭng ho͝ok', IPA^(key): /ˈɡɹæp(ə)lɪŋ ˌhʊk/

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• Hyphenation: grap‧pling hook

grappling hook (plural grappling hooks)

1. A type of hook attached to a line and designed to be thrown at a target (e.g. rigging of an enemy ship) for the purpose of catching hold of it.
   • 1946 March and April, C. R. L. Coles, “Re-Railing the Locomotive at Bourne End”, in Railway Magazine, page 96:

     The jibs were extended partially, and the grappling-hooks attached to steel cables, which had been positioned under the engine a week previously.

• grappling
• grappling iron