Scottish National Dictionary (1700–)
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First published 1956 (SND Vol. IV).
This entry has not been updated since then but may contain minor corrections and revisions.
Quotation dates: 1795-1857, 1920
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GRAPPLE, v. Also graple. Sc. usages:
1. In vbl.n. grap(p)ling, a method of catching salmon by means of a special arrangement of hooks (Inv. 1795 Stat. Acc.1 XIII. 512, foot-note; Ags., Ayr., Kcb. 1955).Dmf. 1795 Stat. Acc.1 XI. 384–85:
In the Annan . . . there is a pool called the Rock-Hole . . . of an astonishing depth, formed in the middle of a rock, where incredible quantities of salmon are caught, by a new and singular mode of fishing, called grappling. Three or four large hooks are tied together, in different directions, on a strong line, having a weight of lead sufficient to make it sink immediately as low as the person inclines, and then by giving the rod a sudden jerk upward, the hooks are fixed into the salmon, which are thus dragged to land by force.Kcb. 1845 Stat. Acc.2 IV. 82:
A method . . . called grappling is often . . . practised by poachers.
2. To drag for dead bodies in water (Sc. 1900 E.D.D.; ne. and em.Sc.(a), Gall., Uls. 1955). Also in Nhb. dial.
3. To grope (‡Abd., Ags. 1955). Obs. in Eng. since early 19th c.Ags. 1857 “Inceptor” Tom of Wiseacre 52:
Aconite . . . after grappling here and pressing there, declared that there was “ane o' the sma' banes o' the hoch displaced.”Abd. 1920 A. Robb MS. xi.:
The chappie grapplet awa, got's key, opened the door and we slid canny in.
