Sheet" an"chor (?). [OE. scheten to shoot, AS. sceotan; cf. OE. shoot anchor. See Shoot, v. 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.
© Webster 1913.