Word of the day: grapnel

The word of the day is grapnel:

1. a device consisting essentially of one or more hooks or clamps, for grasping or holding something; grapple; grappling iron.
2. a small anchor with three or more flukes, used for grappling or dragging or for anchoring a small boat, as a skiff.

1373, Anglo-Fr. dim. of O.Fr. grapil "hook," from grape "hook" (see grape).

(http://dictionary.reference.com/browse/grapnel)

"Further along the University wall there was a faint clink as a grapnel caught the spikes that lined its top."

 - Terry Pratchett, Sourcery