stay of execution

:  a large strong rope usually of wire used to support a mast

:  guy

:  to secure upright with or as if with stays

:  to incline (a mast) forward, aft, or to one side by the stays

:  to go about :  tack

:  to stop going forward :  pause

:  to stop doing something :  cease

:  to continue in a place or condition :  remain

:  the action of halting :  the state of being stopped

:  a stopping or suspension of procedure or execution by judicial or executive order

:  self-control, moderation

:  one that serves as a prop :  support

:  a thin firm strip (as of plastic) used for stiffening a garment or part (such as a shirt collar)

:  to provide physical or moral support for :  sustain

:  to fix on something as a foundation

:  the act or process of executing :  performance

:  a putting to death especially as a legal penalty

:  the process of enforcing a legal judgment (as against a debtor)