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Grapple vs Grappler - What's the difference?

grapple | grappler |

As nouns the difference between grapple and grappler

is that grapple is 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 while grappler is agent noun of grapple; one who grapples.

As a verb grapple

is to seize something and hold it firmly.

grapple

Alternative forms

* (l) (obsolete)

Etymology 1

From (etyl) (see below). More at (l).

Verb

(grappl)
  • To seize something and hold it firmly.
  • (figuratively) to ponder and intensely evaluate a problem; normally used with "with".
  • * to grapple''' with one's '''conscience
  • To use a grapple.
  • To wrestle or tussle.
  • To fasten, as with a grapple; to fix; to join indissolubly.
  • * Hakluyt
  • The gallies were grappled to the Centurion.
  • * Shakespeare
  • Grapple them to thy soul with hoops of steel.

    Etymology 2

    From (etyl) . More at (l).

    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.
  • (uncountable) The act of grappling.
  • A close hand-to-hand struggle.
  • grappler

    English

    Noun

    (en noun)
  • Agent noun of grapple; one who grapples.
  • A wrestler; one who fights by wrestling.
  • English agent nouns