What is "sheet anchor"

Sheet anchor \Sheet" an"chor\ [OE. scheten to shoot, AS. sce['o]tan; 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.

n. 1 (context nautical English) a large, spare anchor used in an emergency 2 (context by extension English) a source of help in times of danger 3 (context cricket English) a batsman who provides dependable defence while a series of other batsmen score rapidly

n. spare anchor for use in emergency [syn: waist anchor]