GNU Collaborative International Dictionary of English

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Found one definition

1.       
   Sheet anchor . [OE. scheten to shoot, AS. sceótan; cf. OE. shoot anchor. See Shoot, v. t.]
    (Naut.) A large anchor stowed on shores outside the waist of a vessel; -- called also waist anchor. See the Note under Anchor.
   1913 Webster
   Anything regarded as a sure support or dependence in danger; the best hope or refuge.
   1913 Webster