\Sheet" an"chor\ [OE. scheten to shoot, AS.
sce['o]tan; cf. OE. shoot anchor. See {Shoot}, v. t.]
1. (Naut.) A large anchor stowed on shores outside the waist
   of a vessel; -- called also {waist anchor}. See the Note
   under {Anchor}.

2. Anything regarded as a sure support or dependence in
   danger; the best hope or refuge.