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From The Collaborative International Dictionary of English v.0.44 [gcide]:
Backstay \Back"stay'\ (b[a^]k"st[=a]'), noun [Back, adjective 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.]
2. A rope or strap used to prevent excessive forward motion.
From WordNet (r) 2.0 [wn]:
backstay
noun: a stay that supports the back of something
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Definitions retrieved from local copies of the freely distributed DICT client/server software and databases. Click here for database copyright information. - KM |