bower-anchor

The ship's crew lowers the bower-anchor into the calm harbor.

Definition

1. Noun (Nautical):
   • A ship's anchor carried at the bow: A "bower-anchor" is one of the two main anchors stowed on the bow (front) of a vessel, used for mooring or holding the ship in place. It is typically larger and heavier than other anchors on board.

Usage Examples

• (They deployed the front anchor to hold the vessel steady.)
• (The bow anchor remained firmly in place despite rough weather.)

Advanced Usage

• "Bower-anchor cable": The chain or rope attached to the bower-anchor.

  • The bower-anchor cable was inspected for wear before the voyage. (The anchor's line was checked for damage.)

• "To let go the bower-anchor": To release the bower-anchor into the water.

  • The captain ordered the crew to let go the bower-anchor as they approached the anchorage. (The captain commanded the anchor to be dropped.)

Variants and Related Words

• Bower (n): A shortened form of "bower-anchor," also meaning the anchor at the bow.

  • The ship carried two bowers for safety. (The vessel had two bow anchors.)

• Anchor (n): A device used to moor a vessel to the seabed.

  • The anchor was raised after the storm passed. (The anchoring device was lifted.)

Synonyms

• Bow anchor: The anchor located at the bow of a ship (synonymous with bower-anchor).
• Mooring anchor: An anchor used specifically for securing a vessel in a fixed position.

Related Idioms

• "Ride at anchor": To remain stationary while anchored.

  • The ship rode at anchor using its bower-anchor. (The vessel stayed in place with the bow anchor deployed.)

• "Anchor to windward": To position the anchor on the side from which the wind is blowing.

  • With the bower-anchor to windward, the ship was stable in the gale. (The bow anchor faced the wind, keeping the ship steady.)