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backstay

noun
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back·​stay | \ ˈbak-ˌstā How to pronounce backstay (audio) \

Definition of backstay

1 : a stay extending aft from a masthead
2 : a strengthening or supporting device at the back (as of a carriage or a shoe)

Examples of backstay in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web At the same time, backstay cables that ran from the tower to the ground came loose and swung around wildly. — John Timmer, Ars Technica, 3 Dec. 2020

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'backstay.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

First Known Use of backstay

1626, in the meaning defined at sense 1

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The first known use of backstay was in 1626

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Dictionary Entries Near backstay

backstand

backstay

backstay stool

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Cite this Entry

“Backstay.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/backstay. Accessed 28 Sep. 2021.

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