'Backstay' definitions:
Definition of 'backstay'
(from WordNet)
noun
A stay that supports the back of something
Definition of 'Backstay'
From: GCIDE
- Backstay \Back"stay`\ (b[a^]k"st[=a]`), n. [Back, a. or n. + stay.]
- 1. (Naut.) 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.] [1913 Webster]
- 2. A rope or strap used to prevent excessive forward motion. [1913 Webster]