Source : Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary (1913)

Grappling \Grap"pling\, n.
   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.

Source : WordNet®

grappling iron
     n : a tool consisting of several hooks for grasping and holding;
         often thrown with a rope [syn: {grapnel}, {grapple}, {grappler},
          {grappling hook}]