—v.
1 intr. (often foll. by with) fight at close quarters or in close combat.
2 intr. (foll. by with) try to manage or overcome a difficult problem etc.
3 tr. a grip with the hands; come to close quarters with. b seize with or as with a grapnel; grasp.
—n.
1 a a hold or grip in or as in wrestling. b a contest at close quarters.
2 a clutching-instrument; a grapnel.
Phrases and idioms:
grappling-iron (or -hook) = GRAPNEL.
Derivatives:
grappler n.
Etymology: OF grapil (n.) f. Prov., dimin. of grapa hook (as GRAPNEL)
Useful english dictionary. 2012.