Anchor

ang′kor, n. an implement for retaining a ship in a particular spot by temporarily chaining it to the bed of a sea or river. The most common form has two flukes, one or other of which enters the ground, and so gives hold; but many modifications are used, some with movable arms, some self-canting.—Anchors are distinguished as the starboard and port bowers , sheet , spare , stream , kedge , and grapnel , or boat anchors : ( fig. ) anything that gives stability or security.— v.t. to fix by an anchor: to fasten.— v.i. to cast anchor: to stop, or rest on.— ns. Anch′orage , the act of anchoring: the place where a ship anchors or can anchor: ( Shak. ) the anchor and all the nece ary tackle for anchoring: a position affording support: ( fig. ) anything that gives a resting-place or support to the mind: duty imposed on ships for anchoring; Anch′or-hold , the hold of an anchor upon the ground: ( fig. ) security.— adj. Anch′orle , without such: unstable.— n. Mushroom-anchor , an anchor with a saucer-shaped head on a central shank, used for mooring.— At anchor , anchored.— To cast anchor , to let down the anchor, to take up a position; To weigh anchor , to take up the anchor so as to be able to sail away. [A.S. ancor —L. ancora —Gr. angkyra , angkos , a bend. Conn. with Angle .]