Grappling \Grap"pling\, n. 1. A laying fast ho1d of; also, that by which anything is seized and held, a grapnel. 2. A grapple; a struggle. A match for yards in fight, in grappling for the bear. --Dryden. {Grappling iron}, a hooked iron used for grappling and holding fast a vessel or other object. {Grappling tongs}, broad-mouthed tongs for gathering oysters.