anchor watch

American  

noun

Nautical.

1. a deck watch maintained by the crew of a ship at anchor.

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Etymology

Origin of anchor watch

First recorded in 1875–80

Example Sentences

A kind of anchor watch had been chosen by straws.

From Literature

An anchor watch had been set, and having "gone the rounds" in order to satisfy himself that everything was in order Kenneth Kenyon had gone to his cabin to write letters that would be sent ashore when the picket-boat brought off the skipper and Bramsdean.

From Project Gutenberg

The Adelaide had, however, now swung with her stern somewhat near the shore, and a man who had kept anchor watch remembered having seen a big Siwash canoe slipping out to sea a few hours earlier.

From Project Gutenberg

We thought that our mules were in some danger, and J. B., who is a yachtsman, proposed to keep anchor watch.

From Project Gutenberg

Set an anchor watch, heave the lead, and ’ware the lee shore and breakers ahead!

From Project Gutenberg