to hold or make fast to something, as with a grapple.

to use a grapple.

to seize another, or each other, in a firm grip, as in wrestling; clinch.

to engage in a struggle or close encounter (usually fol. by with )

He was grappling with a boy twice his size.

to try to overcome or deal (usually fol. by with )

to grapple with a problem.

to seize, hold, or fasten with or as with a grapple.

to seize in a grip, take hold of

The thug grappled him around the neck.

a hook or an iron instrument by which one thing, as a ship, fastens onto another; grapnel.

a seizing or gripping.

a grip or close hold in wrestling or hand-to-hand fighting.

a close, hand-to-hand fight.