n. & v.
n. 1 a heavy metal weight used to moor a ship to the sea-bottom or a balloon to the ground. 2 a thing affording stability. 3 a source of confidence.
v. 1 tr. secure (a ship or balloon) by means of an anchor. 2 tr. fix firmly. 3 intr. cast anchor. 4 intr. be moored by means of an anchor. anchor-plate a heavy piece of timber or metal, e.g. as support for suspension-bridge cables. at anchor moored by means of an anchor. cast (or come to) anchor let the anchor down. weigh anchor take the anchor up.
[ OE ancor f. L anchora f. Gk agkura ]