The difference between Backstay and Forestay

When used as nouns, backstay means a part of the rigging of a sailing ship extending from masthead the top of the mast to the back of the ship, whereas forestay means a stay that extends from the top of the foremast to the bow or bowsprit of a sailing ship.

Forestay is also verb with the meaning: to stay beforehand.

check bellow for the other definitions of Backstay and Forestay

  1. Backstay as a noun (nautical):

    A part of the rigging of a sailing ship extending from masthead the top of the mast to the back of the ship; they support the strain on all upper masts and provide additional support to the shrouds when the wind is abaft the beam.

  1. Forestay as a noun (nautical):

    A stay that extends from the top of the foremast to the bow or bowsprit of a sailing ship

  1. Forestay as a verb (transitive):

    To stay beforehand; secure or fasten with or as with a forestay.

  1. Forestay as a verb (transitive):

    To stay, delay, postpone, or hinder beforehand; forestall; prevent.

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