Grapple

[grap-uh l] /ˈgræp əl/

verb (used without object), grappled, grappling.
1.
to hold or make fast to something, as with a grapple.
2.
to use a grapple.
3.
to seize another, or each other, in a firm grip, as in wrestling; clinch.
4.
to engage in a struggle or close encounter (usually followed by with):
He was grappling with a boy twice his size.
5.
to try to overcome or deal (usually followed by with):
to grapple with a problem.
verb (used with object), grappled, grappling.
6.
to seize, hold, or fasten with or as with a grapple.
7.
to seize in a grip, take hold of:
The thug grappled him around the neck.
noun
8.
a hook or an iron instrument by which one thing, as a ship, fastens onto another; grapnel.
9.
a seizing or gripping.
10.
a grip or close hold in wrestling or hand-to-hand fighting.
11.
a close, hand-to-hand fight.
/ˈɡræpəl/
verb
1.
to come to grips with (one or more persons), esp to struggle in hand-to-hand combat
2.
(intransitive) foll by with. to cope or contend: to grapple with a financial problem
3.
(transitive) to secure with a grapple
noun
4.
any form of hook or metal instrument by which something is secured, such as a grapnel
5.

6.
a contest of grappling, esp a wrestling match
n.

late 13c., from Old French grapil “hook” (see grapnel). The verb is 1520s, “seize and hold fast,” from the noun. Sense of “battle, struggle (with)” is from 1590s. Related: Grappled; grappling.

GRAPh Processing LanguagE. 1968.
[“A Directed Graph Representation for Computer Simulation of Belief Systems”, L.G. Tesler et al, Math Biosciences 2:19-40 (1968)].