anchor watch

noun

, Nautical.

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

Word History and Origins

Origin of anchor watch¹

First recorded in 1875–80

Example Sentences

If the vessel was at anchor in a roadstead, he had to keep his two-hour anchor watch the same as the rest of the crew.

From Project Gutenberg

He sent the hands below at ten o'clock, saying he would keep the anchor watch himself.

From Project Gutenberg

The ship was then moored with a kedge astern, sails furled, and all hands retired to rest, except an anchor watch.

From Project Gutenberg

Then the forecastle hands cast lots who should keep the first anchor watch.

From Project Gutenberg

I had the honour of keeping an anchor-watch in company with a grum old Swede, as we lay in the Hudson.

From Project Gutenberg