backstay Meaning, Definition & Usage

  1. noun a stay that supports the back of something

WordNet

Back"stay` noun
Etymology
Back, a. orn.+ stay.
Definitions
  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.

Webster 1913