Grap′nel
,
[OE.
grapenel
, dim. fr. F.
grappin t
he grapple of a ship; of German origin. See
Grape
.]
(Naut.)
A small anchor, with four or five flukes or claws, used to hold boats or small vessels; hence, any instrument designed to grapple or hold; a grappling iron; a grab; – written also grapline, and crapnel.