A bower is a primary anchor carried at the bow of a ship, typically in a pair (starboard and port) used for anchoring. Known historically as the "best bower" (starboard) and "small bower" (port), these anchors are permanently attached to cables and kept ready for immediate use, especially in emergencies.

Key Aspects of Bowers:
Location: They are situated on the bow—the forward part of a vessel.

Function: As the main anchors, they are used for mooring or anchoring the ship.

Historical Terminology:

Best Bower: Traditionally the starboard anchor, sometimes historically considered the more reliable or slightly heavier of the two.

Small Bower: Traditionally the port anchor.

Modern Usage: Most modern vessels carry two identical bower anchors, referred to simply as the port and starboard bowers.

The term is derived from their location at the bow of the ship.