In the 18th century, the Swedish government made coffee and its paraphernalia (including cups and dishes) illegal for its supposed ties to rebellious sentiment.
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
Word of the Day
16 November 2024
LEAVE
(verb) go and leave behind, either intentionally or by neglect or forgetfulness; “She left a mess when she moved out”; “His good luck finally left him”; “her husband left her after 20 years of marriage”; “she wept thinking she had been left behind”
Coffee Trivia
