anchor point

plural anchor points

1. literallyA place to which things are anchored.
2. figurativelySomething that provides stability or a connection.

   David Brill was one of my anchor points in our community. Knowing that he was out on the line searching in the best tradition of investigative reporting lent a sense of security.

   1979 December 8, Jonathan H. Malone, “An Anchor Point”, in Gay Community News, volume 7, number 20, page 4

3. archeryA point on the body, such as the chin or the corner of the mouth, that an archer touches with the string hand when the bow is fully drawn, in order to maintain a consistent draw.

   Tournament archers generally use a lower anchor point, with the string hand under the chin.

   1997, M. R. James, G. Fred Asbell, Dave Holt, Bowhunting Equipment and Skills, page 83

   2 more examples

   Low groups can come from a mis-set sight, dropping your bow arm because of fatigue, a broken serving causing your nocking point to elevate, a loose aperture or scope, or half a dozen form flaws (such as a misplaced anchor point).

   2004, Steve Ruis, Claudia Stevenson, Precision Archery, page 59

   To this point you have been using an under-chin anchor point. You have been anchoring your string hand under your jaw bone.

   2006, Kathleen Haywood, Catherine Lewis, Archery: Steps to Success, page 67

1. A town in Newfoundland, Newfoundland and Labrador, Canada.First known use approx. 1750