Definitions for backstayˈbækˌsteɪ
Random House Webster's College Dictionary
back•stayˈbækˌsteɪ(n.)
any of various shrouds that reinforce a ship's masts against forward pull.
Category: Navy
Origin of backstay:
1620–30; back1+stay3
back•stayˈbækˌsteɪ(n.)
a supporting or checking piece in a mechanism.
Category: Machinery
a strip of leather at the back of a shoe, usu. serving as reinforcement.
Category: Clothing
Origin of backstay:
1860–65; back1+stay2
Princeton's WordNet
backstay(noun)
a stay that supports the back of something
Wiktionary
backstay(Noun)
A part of the rigging of a sailing ship extending from masthead the top of the mast to the back of the ship; they support the strain on all upper masts and provide additional support to the shrouds when the wind is abaft the beam.
Webster Dictionary
Backstay(noun)
a rope or stay extending from the masthead to the side of a ship, slanting a little aft, to assist the shrouds in supporting the mast
Backstay(noun)
a rope or strap used to prevent excessive forward motion
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