What does "grappling hook" mean?

A type of hook attached to a line and designed to be thrown at a target (e.g. rigging of an enemy ship) for the purpose of catching hold of it.

What is a synonym for "grappling hook"?

Common synonyms include: gaff, grapnel, grapnels, grapple, grappler, grapples.

Pronounced //ˈɡɹæp(ə)lɪŋ ˌhʊk//.

/ˈɡɹæp(ə)lɪŋ ˌhʊk/ noun

noun ·Rare ·Advanced level

Noun

1
A type of hook attached to a line and designed to be thrown at a target (e.g. rigging of an enemy ship) for the purpose of catching hold of it.
"The jibs were extended partially, and the grappling-hooks attached to steel cables, which had been positioned under the engine a week previously."
2
a tool consisting of several hooks for grasping and holding; often thrown with a rope wordnet

"The jibs were extended partially, and the grappling-hooks attached to steel cables, which had been positioned under the engine a week previously."