forestay

Estimated CEFR level: C2 — Proficiency

Estimated from word frequency; not an official CEFR classification.

Definition

noun an adjustable stay from the foremast to the deck or bowsprit; controls the bending of the mast

From Middle English forstay, forstey, vorstey, equivalent to fore- + stay (“a stay, rope”).

At midnight they were wallowing with only a forestays'l that was iced to the hardness of boiler plate. — Blow The Man Down: A Romance Of The Coast, Holman Day
A glimmer of light, reflected from below, was wavering over the mizzen-mast and bumpkin; it had nothing to do with the riding-light, which hung on the forestay. — The Riddle of the Sands, Erskine Childers
They set the mast in its socket in the cross plank, raised it and made it fast with the forestays, and they hoisted their white sails with sheets of twisted ox hide. — The Odyssey: Rendered into English prose for the use of those who cannot read the original, Homer

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