Definition of "grappling-iron" [grappling-iron]

• An instrument consisting of several iron or steel claws for grappling and holding fast to something. (noun)

The Century Dictionary (Public Domain)

• "And long ere the lights of Scarborough died into the haze of night, as the cutter began to cleave watery way, the sailor passed a stout new rope from a belaying-pin through this hole, and then he betrayed his watch on deck by hauling the end up with a clew, and gently returning it to the deep with a long grappling-iron made fast to it."
• "Suddenly the grappling-iron was torn violently from the rocks."
• "I stood on the very spot where the grappling-iron was fast among the rocks."