A kedge is a small anchor used to move or turn a vessel by setting the anchor ahead and hauling on its line.
Definition
In nautical use, a kedge is a light anchor carried away from a vessel and dropped in the desired direction of travel. The crew then hauls on the line to pull the vessel forward, pivot it, or work it out of a difficult position.
As a verb, to kedge means to move a vessel by this method.
Use
Kedging is useful when a vessel cannot move under sail, engine, or oar alone. It can help free a boat from shallow water, turn a vessel in a confined harbor, or make progress in calm conditions.
Kedge Line
The site uses the word as its central metaphor: set an anchor ahead, pull the line, and move with intention.