Backstay Definition

băkstā
noun
A rope or shroud extending from the top of a mast aft to a ship's side or stern to help support the mast.
American Heritage
A stay extending aft from a masthead to the side or stern of a vessel.
Webster's New World
A supporting device at or for the back of something else.
American Heritage

(nautical) 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.

Wiktionary
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Other Word Forms of Backstay

Noun

Singular:
backstay
Plural:
backstays

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