Definify.com
Webster 1913 Edition
Grappling
Grap′pling
,Noun.
1.
A laying fast ho1d of; also, that by which anything is seized and held, a grapnel.
2.
A grapple; a struggle. A match for yards in fight, in grappling for the bear.
Dryden.
Grappling iron
, a hooked iron used for grappling and holding fast a vessel or other object.
– Grappling tongs
, broad-mouthed tongs for gathering oysters.