'Shifting backstays' definitions:

Definition of 'Shifting backstays'

From: GCIDE
  • Shifting \Shift"ing\, a.
  • 1. Changing in place, position, or direction; varying; variable; fickle; as, shifting winds; shifting opinions or principles. [1913 Webster]
  • 2. Adapted or used for shifting anything. [1913 Webster]
  • Shifting backstays (Naut.), temporary stays that have to be let go whenever the vessel tacks or jibes.
  • Shifting ballast, ballast which may be moved from one side of a vessel to another as safety requires.
  • Shifting center. See Metacenter.
  • Shifting locomotive. See Switching engine, under Switch. [1913 Webster]