sheet anchor

noun

Definition of SHEET ANCHOR

: a large strong anchor formerly carried in the waist of a ship and used as a spare in an emergency

: something that constitutes a main support or dependence especially in danger

alteration of earlier shoot anchor, from Middle English shute anker

First Known Use: 1626

Next Word in the Dictionary: sheet bendPrevious Word in the Dictionary: sheetageAll Words Near: sheet anchor

What made you want to look up sheet anchor? Please tell us where you read or heard it (including the quote, if possible).

Put-downs with flair

How to use a word that (literally) drives some people nuts.

Test your vocab with our fun, fast game

Ailurophobia, and 9 other unusual fears