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WORDNET DICTIONARY
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OXFORD DICTIONARY

backstay

Noun

back=stay

WORDNET DICTIONARY

backstay, n. [Back, a. or n. + stay.].

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. [1913 Webster]
A rope or strap used to prevent excessive forward motion. [1913 Webster]

backstay, n. a rope etc. leading downwards and aft from the top of a mast.

For further exploring for "backstay" in Webster Dictionary Online