1. plural of grapline; ropes or lines used to grapple or secure something, especially in nautical contexts
Usage: nautical; often used in plural form

Examples

• The sailors threw graplines across to the other vessel to secure it.
• The rescue team used graplines to anchor their equipment on the cliff face.
• Graplines were essential equipment for ships engaged in boarding operations.
• The crew fastened the graplines to the dock to prevent the boat from drifting.