anchor watch

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

Origin of anchor watch

First recorded in 1875–80

I'd allus watched for a chance to run away, and thar was Jim, the anchor-watch, squatting on the bitts dead asleep.

A Man in the Open |Roger Pocock
Spike walked forward to look for the man charged with the anchor-watch.

Jack Tier or The Florida Reef |James Fenimore Cooper
"You will have no anchor-watch to-night," Macleod answered slowly, from out of the darkness.

Library Of The World's Best Literature, Ancient And Modern, Vol. 5 |Various
Hardly had he begun to doze when he was roused by a boat coming alongside and hailing the anchor-watch.

Dutch Courage and Other Stories |Jack London

Soon after Spike returned on board, and the anchor-watch was set.

Jack Tier or The Florida Reef |James Fenimore Cooper