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The Collaborative International Dictionary of English v.0.48 (gcide)

Backstay \Back"stay`\ (b[a^]k"st[=a]`), n. [Back, a. or n.
stay.]
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.]
[1913 Webster]

2. A rope or strap used to prevent excessive forward motion.
[1913 Webster]