grapple plant

1 definition found

grapple plant - Collaborative International Dictionary of English v.0.48 :

  Grapple \Grap"ple\, n. [See Grapple, v. t., and cf. Crapple.]
     1. A seizing or seizure; close hug in contest; the wrestler's
        hold. --Milton.
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     2.
        (a) An instrument, usually with hinged claws, for seizing
            and holding fast to an object; a grab.
        (b) (Naut.) A grappling iron.
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                  The iron hooks and grapples keen. --Spenser.
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     Grapple plant (Bot.), a South African herb (Herpagophytum  leptocarpum
        ) having the woody fruits armed with long
        hooked or barbed thorns by which they adhere to cattle,
        causing intense annoyance.
  
     Grapple shot (Life-saving Service), a projectile, to which
        are attached hinged claws to catch in a ship's rigging or
        to hold in the ground; -- called also anchor shot.
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