grappling

noun3

1. •
   An act in which something is grappled or grappled with.

   • […] the Schoenberg is irresistible to young hearts in their initial grapplings with great questions of life, death, love and suffering. — 2007
2. •
   A grappling hook or grappling iron.
3. •
   A small anchor; a grapnel.