What does "forestay" mean?

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

What is a synonym for "forestay"?

Common synonyms include: backstay, behedge, dilly-dally, forset, frustrate, headstay.

noun, verb

noun, verb ·Uncommon ·Advanced level

Noun

1
A stay that extends from the top of the foremast to the bow or bowsprit of a sailing ship
2
an adjustable stay from the foremast to the deck or bowsprit; controls the bending of the mast wordnet

Verb

1
To stay beforehand; secure or fasten with or as with a forestay. transitive
"Anna decided not to press that subject and forestayed her mind to change tack."
2
To stay, delay, postpone, or hinder beforehand; forestall; prevent. transitive
"It is reasonable to suppose that further research into the complex bio-chemistry of the blood will result in more satisfactory substitutes for plasma than are now available and thereby death may be more easily forestayed."