noun
Etymology: alteration (probably influenced by sheet ) (IV) of earlier shoot anchor, from Middle English shute anker, perhaps from shute, shutte sheet (rope regulating a sail) (from Middle Low German schōte ) + anker anchor
1. : a large strong anchor carried in the waist of a ship — called also waist anchor
2. : something that constitutes a main support or dependence in danger : the best or surest hope, reliance, or refuge