SHEET ANCHOR

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