rappel Meaning, Definition & Usage

  1. noun (mountaineering) a descent of a vertical cliff or wall made by using a doubled rope that is fixed to a higher point and wrapped around the body
    abseil.
  2. verb lower oneself with a rope coiled around the body from a mountainside
    abseil; rope down.
    • The ascent was easy--roping down the mountain would be much more difficult and dangerous
    • You have to learn how to abseil when you want to do technical climbing

WordNet

Rap"pel noun
Etymology
F. Cf. Repeal.
Definitions
  1. (Mil.) The beat of the drum to call soldiers to arms.

Webster 1913