FORESTAY

forestay

(noun) an adjustable stay from the foremast to the deck or bowsprit; controls the bending of the mast

Source: WordNet® 3.1

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Etymology 1

Noun

forestay (plural forestays)

(nautical) A stay that extends from the top of the foremast to the bow or bowsprit of a sailing ship

Coordinate terms

• backstay

Verb

forestay (third-person singular simple present forestays, present participle forestaying, simple past and past participle forestayed)

(transitive) To stay beforehand; secure or fasten with or as with a forestay.

Etymology 2

Verb

forestay (third-person singular simple present forestays, present participle forestaying, simple past and past participle forestayed)

(transitive) To stay, delay, postpone, or hinder beforehand; forestall; prevent.

Source: Wiktionary

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Fore"stay`, n. (Naut.)

Definition: A large, strong rope, reaching from the foremast head to the bowsprit, to support the mast. See Illust. under Ship.

Source: Webster’s Unabridged Dictionary 1913 Edition

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