1. noun /ˈæŋkə,ˈæŋkɚ/
a) A tool used to moor a vessel to the bottom of a sea or river to resist movement.
, Formerly a vessel would differentiate amongst the anchors carried as waist anchor, best bower, bower, stream and kedge anchors, depending on purpose and, to a great extent, on mass and size of the anchor. Modern usage is storm anchor for the heaviest anchor with the longest rode, best bower or simply bower for the most commonly used anchor deployed from the bow, and stream or lunch hook for a small, light anchor used for temporary moorage and often deployed from the stern.
b) Generic term to refer to the combined anchoring gear (anchor, rode, and fittings such as bitts, cat, and windlass.)
, An iron device so shaped as to grip the bottom and hold a vessel at her berth by the chain or rope attached. (FM 55-501).
2. verb /ˈæŋkə,ˈæŋkɚ/
a) To hold an object, especially a ship or a boat to a fixed point.
b) To provide emotional stability for a person in distress.
See Also: anchorage, weigh anchor
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