Boyd’s Bible Dictionary:
(hook). Anchors for holding ships to one spot were formerly cast from the stern (Acts 27:29).
Concise Bible Dictionary:
The anchors used by the ancients were in shape somewhat like the modern ones, as may be seen on some of the coins. When Paul was on his way to Rome, four anchors were needed to hold the ship (Acts 27:29-30,40). The anchor is used metaphorically for the hope set before the Christian; it enters into that within the veil, and is sure and steadfast. It was a great thing for the Hebrew believers to have their eyes turned to heaven; the anchor of their hope was there; no matter what storms they might meet with, the realization of their hope was certain if set on Christ (Heb. 6:19).
Strong’s Dictionary of Greek Words:
Meaning:
from the same as 43; an "anchor" (as crooked)
From Manners and Customs of the Bible:
Acts 27:29. They cast four anchors out of the stern.
Ancient vessels had not so heavy anchors as ours, and therefore carried more.
It was customary to anchor ancient ships by the stern, though they were sometimes anchored at the bow. The anchors were carried in the skiff to a suitable distance from the vessel and there dropped. In modern times ships of-war in action have sometimes been anchored from the stern. Lord Nelson pursued this plan at the battle of the Nile, and at the battle of Copenhagen. See the account in Alison, History of Europe, (Edition, Harper) vol.1, p. 513; vol. 2, p. 154.
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