A secure stronghold or fortress, especially one that serves as an anchor point or refuge during times of crisis or danger.
From Dutch "ankerplaats" or related Germanic roots combining "anker" (anchor) and "hold" (stronghold). This nautical term was adapted to describe fortified positions that provided security like an anchor provides to a ship.
Medieval warriors literally thought of their castles like ships' anchors—both were supposed to keep you from drifting away to your doom, which is why these metaphors between land and sea fortifications show up in multiple European languages.
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