ˈæŋkə 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. øanchor-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]