an-end

Definitions

On end; in an upright position.
Specifically— Nautical, in the position of a mast when it is perpendicular to the deck. The topmasts are said to be an-end when hoisted up to their usual stations.
In mech., said of anything, as a pile, that is driven in the direction of its length.
In the end; at the last; lastly.
To the end; straight on; continuously.

Sorry, no etymologies found.

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For many days we had hail, lightning, rain, and hard gales, with a heavy sea, so that we thought it impossible for the ship to hold, though she had two anchors a-head, and two cables an-end.

A General History and Collection of Voyages and Travels — Volume 12 Arranged in Systematic Order: Forming a Complete History of the Origin and Progress of Navigation, Discovery, and Commerce, by Sea and Land, from the Earliest Ages to the Present Time Robert Kerr 1784
It must be thick, almost so thick, that a spoon may stand an-end in it.

The Closet of Sir Kenelm Digby Knight Opened Kenelm Digby 1634