3 definitions found for Sheet anchor

sheet anchor n 1: spare anchor for use in emergency [syn: sheet anchor, waist anchor]

sheet anchor noun Etymology: alteration of earlier shoot anchor, from Middle English shute anker Date: 1626 1. a large strong anchor formerly carried in the waist of a ship and used as a spare in an emergency 2. something that constitutes a main support or dependence especially in danger

Sheet anchor Sheet" an"chor [OE. scheten to shoot, AS. sce['o]tan; cf. OE. shoot anchor. See Shoot, v. t.] 1. (Naut.) A large anchor stowed on shores outside the waist of a vessel; -- called also waist anchor. See the Note under Anchor. 2. Anything regarded as a sure support or dependence in danger; the best hope or refuge.