bobstay

American  

[bob-stey] / ˈbɒbˌsteɪ /

noun

Nautical.

1. a rope, chain, or rod from the outer end of the bowsprit to the cutwater.

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bobstay British  

/ ˈbɒbˌsteɪ /

noun

1. a strong stay between a bowsprit and the stem of a vessel for holding down the bowsprit

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Etymology

Origin of bobstay

First recorded in 1750–60; bob ¹ + stay ³

Example Sentences

Pat, who was farthest out, caught hold of the bobstay and was hoisting himself on board by the jibboom, when a cry of dismay escaped him.

From The Three Admirals by Wells, J.R.

No use; the captain knows the boom from the bobstay, and if he isn't a Knight of the Golden Fleece, you can't pull wool over his eyes.

From Dikes and Ditches Young America in Holland and Belguim by Optic, Oliver

"I 'll tell you what," 'Frisco Kid suggested half an hour later, while they clung to the bobstay preparatory to climbing out.

From The Cruise of the Dazzler by London, Jack

Dropping their oars, the plucky British tars sprang into the chains, swarmed up the bobstay and over the bow, and used each other's backs as ladders to aid them to reach the schooner's deck.

From The Naval History of the United States Volume 1 by Abbot, Willis J. (Willis John)

Almost by a miracle, the captain clutched at the bobstay and managed to get one hand up and over the bowsprit.

From The Cruise of the Dazzler by London, Jack