grapple

  1. Verb.  (transitive) to seize something and hold it firmly.
  2. Verb.  (transitive) (figuratively) to ponder and intensely evaluate a problem; normally used with "with".
  3. Verb.  (intransitive) to use a grapple.
  4. Verb.  (intransitive) to wrestle or tussle.
  5. Noun.  (nautical) a device consisting of iron claws, attached to the end of a rope, used for grasping and holding an enemy ship prior to boarding; a grapnel or grappling iron.
  6. Noun.  (uncountable) the act of grappling.
  7. Noun.  a close hand-to-hand struggle.

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This entry was last updated on RefTopia from its source on 3/20/2012.