Definitions for mainstayˈmeɪnˌsteɪ
Random House Webster's College Dictionary
main•stayˈmeɪnˌsteɪ(n.)
a person or thing that acts as a chief support or part.
the stay that secures the mainmast forward.
Category: Nautical
Origin of mainstay:
1475–85
Princeton's WordNet
pillar, mainstay(noun)
a prominent supporter
"he is a pillar of the community"
anchor, mainstay, keystone, backbone, linchpin, lynchpin(noun)
a central cohesive source of support and stability
"faith is his anchor"; "the keystone of campaign reform was the ban on soft money"; "he is the linchpin of this firm"
mainstay(noun)
the forestay that braces the mainmast
Wiktionary
mainstay(Noun)
A chief support.
mainstay(Noun)
A stabilising rope from the top of the mainmast to the bottom of the foremast.
Webster Dictionary
Mainstay(noun)
the stay extending from the foot of the foremast to the maintop
Mainstay(noun)
main support; principal dependence
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