A support for the mast to keep it from falling forward.

A short strip of leather that connects the quarters down the back of the shoe.

(n) a stay that supports the back of something

the standing rigging running from the mast to the stern

A mast support that runs from the top of the mast to the stern of the yacht; it may be adjustable in order to bend the mast backward or to increase tension on the forestay.

A stay (usually cable or rod) that runs from near or at the top of the mast to the stern of the boat; as in: Your backstay seems to be tensioned properly.

    Piece of standing rigging leading aft.  

Standing or running (adjustable) wire rigging that supports the mast from the stern; a wire mast support leading aft to the deck or another mast

Mast support running from the top of the mast to the aft deck or another mast.

A stay (line or cable) used to support the mast. The backstay runs from the masthead to the stern and helps keep the mast from falling forward

a wire or line that runs from the top of the mast to the stern to support the mast and control mast tension, rake, and bend. Compare to Forestay, Jibstay, and Headstay

Standing or running (adjustable) wire rigging that supports the mast from the stern; a wire mast support leading aft to the deck or another mast

(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 t [..]

stay or rope that is secured abaft of the mast to support the latter from bending forward