grapnel
noun
grap·nel ˈgrap-nᵊl 
: a small anchor with usually four or five flukes used especially to recover a sunken object or to anchor a small boat see anchor illustration
Word History
Etymology
Middle English grapenel, from Anglo-French grapinel, diminutive of Middle French grapin, diminutive of Old French grape hook, grape stalk, bunch of grapes — more at grape
First Known Use
14th century, in the meaning defined above