Brewer's: Bower Anchor

An anchor carried at the bow of a ship. There are two: one called the best bower, and the other the small bower. (To rhyme with flower.)

“Starboard being the best bower, and port the small bower.” —Smyth: Sailor's Word-book.

Bower-woman
(A). A lady's maid and companion. The attendants were admitted to considerable freedom of speech, and were treated with familiarity and kindness. (“Bower” to rhyme with flower.)

“`This maiden,' replied Eveline, `is my bower-woman, and acquainted with my most inward thoughts. I beseech you to permit her presence at our conference.”' —Sir W. Scott: The Betrothed, chap. xi.

Source: Dictionary of Phrase and Fable, E. Cobham Brewer, 1894
A B C D E F G H I J K L M N O P Q R S T U V W X Y Z

Related Content