sheet anchor

noun

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

Word History

Etymology

alteration of earlier shoot anchor, from Middle English shute anker

First Known Use

1626, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of sheet anchor was in 1626

Dictionary Entries Near sheet anchor

sheetage

sheet anchor

sheet bend

See More Nearby Entries 

Cite this Entry

“Sheet anchor.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/sheet%20anchor. Accessed 28 Nov. 2024.

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