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Webster 1913 Edition


Sheet anchor

Sheet′ an′chor

.
[OE.
scheten
to shoot, AS.
sceótan
; cf. OE.
shoot anchor
. See
Shoot
,
Verb.
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.