Discussion Groups / English Usage / February 2010

"Weighing the anchor" is the seafarers' term for hoisting the anchor
on board. I'm sure it is related to the word "weight", but I'm too
lazy to look that up!

With best wishes,

Peter.

It's related to the phrase "weigh anchor", where "weigh" has the sense
of "lift up". When the anchor's aweigh you're ready to sail away.

Yes, it is to do with weight. It refers to lifting an anchor from the
seabed. When the cable or chain is pulled to raise the anchor it takes
the weight of the anchor.

OED:
   weigh, v1
   5. a. Naut. To heave up (a ship's anchor) from the ground, before
   sailing. Now usually to weigh anchor (without art.).
   c. absol. = to weigh anchor. Hence, to sail (from, out of a port,
   etc.).

   a-weigh, advb. phr.
   Naut.
   Of an anchor: Just raised perpendicularly from the ground;

That is the point in raising an anchor at which the full weight of the
anchor is on the cable or chain.

"Anchor aweigh" is a special signal for sailors, that the
anchor has been lifted off the sea bottom (viz. is still
dangling from the ship by its chain or cable, but no
longer holds the ship fast.)  This is the right time engage
the engine or hoist mainsail etc.

That song is the official hymn of the United States Navy.

Here's what the US Navy has to say about its song:

http://www.navy.mil/navydata/navy_legacy_hr.asp?id=191