BACKSTAY

backstay

(noun) a stay that supports the back of something

Source: WordNet® 3.1


Etymology

Noun

backstay (plural backstays)

(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.

Coordinate terms

• forestay

Anagrams

• stay back

Source: Wiktionary


Back"stay`, n. Etym: [Back, a. orn.+ stay.]

1. (Naut.)

Definition: 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. [ Often used in the plural.]

2. A rope or strap used to prevent excessive forward motion.

Source: Webster’s Unabridged Dictionary 1913 Edition



RESET




Word of the Day

4 February 2025

DISKETTE

(noun) a small plastic magnetic disk enclosed in a stiff envelope with a radial slit; used to store data or programs for a microcomputer; “floppy disks are noted for their relatively slow speed and small capacity and low price”


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Coffee Trivia

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