(nautical) Response to order to weigh anchor when the anchor has been tripped and is no longer attached to the bottom.
[1928] 1988, Frederick Pease Harlow, The Making of a Sailor
Then the mate called again to the captain, “Anchor’s aweigh, sir!” while the men kept on heaving.
1987, Philip McCutchan, Convoy North
Amory’s voice came again from the fo’c’sle. ‘Anchor’s aweigh, sir.’
1994, Patrick O'Brian, The Fortune of War
‘Anchor’s apeak — they pawl and back — ’ At this moment the American frigate fired a gun, dropped her topgallantsails, and sheeted them home. ‘Anchor’s aweigh,’ called Broke. ‘He plucked it up in fine style.’