In under weigh, a common var. of under way, from erroneous association with the phr. ‘to weigh anchor.’ See WAY sb.1 38.
1785. Cumberland, Observer, xii. [ix.], ¶ 7. This perverse wind has at last … come about to the east, so that we are all in high spirits getting under weigh.
1796. Hist. Ned Evans, I. 182. Mr. Evans stood upon the beach till the packet got under weigh.
1840. R. H. Dana, Bef. Mast, xxiii. She got under weigh with very little fuss, and came so near us as to throw a letter on board.
1841. Catlin, N. Amer. Ind., xxxii. (1844), II. 2. I embarked … and was glad to get underweigh.
1855. F. C. Armstrong, Warhawk, I. xii. 258. The following morning be embarked with his attendant, O’Regan, on board The Royal Anne, which got under weigh shortly after.
