'anchorwise' is formed from the noun 'anchor' and the suffix '-wise', where 'anchor' refers to a device for mooring vessels and '-wise' means 'in the manner or direction of'.

'anchorwise' was created in English by combining 'anchor' and '-wise', following the pattern of similar adverbial formations.

Initially, it meant 'in the manner of an anchor', and this meaning has remained consistent in modern usage.