01 n. 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.
-
1.
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.(Naut.) [Often used in the plural.]
-
2.
A rope or strap used to prevent excessive forward motion.