grapper

Definitions

1. A metal ring or leather strap on the base of a lance behind the grip, designed to stop the lance from moving backward by catching on the lance rest or on the lancer's chest and arm when the lance was tucked into the armpit.
2. A grappling hook or grappling iron.
   obsolete

Equivalents

Examples

“1997, Professor Department of History Sydney Anglo, Sydney Anglo, Spectacle, Pageantry, and Early Tudor Policy, Oxford University Press⟳ on Demand⟳ Likewise , if the jouster's spear were tied with 'thonge' or 'grappers', he should be ejected ignominiously.”

“[Grappers] were first introduced in the early fourteenth century and became standard after the introduction of the lance-rest in the late 1300s. A description of the grapper as it was configured in 1446 is provided in an anonymous French manuscript as follows: Item, the said grappers are intentionally full of sharp little spikes like⟳ little diamonds, similar in size to little ...”

“Nor was the danger entirely at the point⟳ of the lance. An inexpert lancer, because the grapper transmitted much of the shock⟳ to the feltlined lance arrest secured to the right side of his breastplate, might be flung from saddle […]”

“It's got a lance rest⟳ to fit the grapper to. It makes the whole breastplate take⟳ the shock⟳, and not just his arm. You brace the end⟳ against your side; that'll give⟳ you firmer balance, see⟳?” Noel nodded, and Tobin sprang away.”

“But do not joust (to break⟳) fifty or sixty or one hundred lances as you are accustomed to do. To avoid⟳ such unpleasantries as severe injuries […] The grapper or (in its earlier name⟳) grate was affixed to the lance behind the grip.”

“We fastned grappers in her, and soe towed her a head.”

“Without the help⟳ of vellicles, hooks, or grappers.”

“Then began a sore battle on both parts: archers and cross-bows began to shoot⟳, and men of arms approached and fought hand to hand, and the better to come⟳ together they had great hooks and grappers of iron⟳ to cast⟳ out of one ship into another, and so tied them fast together.”

“[…] we sailed in towards the city, and let⟳ fall⟳ our grappers [grappling irons] betwixt the island and the Main, right over against the goodly Garden Island.”

CEFR level