bobstay

[ bob-stey ]

/ ˈbɒbˌsteɪ /

noun Nautical.

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

Nearby words

bobrun, bobruysk, bobsled, bobsledding, bobsleigh, bobstay, bobsy-die, bobtail, bobweight, bobwhite, bobèche

Origin of bobstay

First recorded in 1750–60; bob¹ + stay³

Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2019

Examples from the Web for bobstay

The bobstay of the bowsprit was smashed by coming in contact with a mass of floating ice.
The Romance of Polar Exploration|G. Firth Scott
The principal weak spot in the rigging of a boat that is to be driven in heavy water is the bobstay.
On Yachts and Yacht Handling|Thomas Fleming Day
The kingpin of the whole structure erected above the deck of a yacht is the bobstay.
On Yachts and Yacht Handling|Thomas Fleming Day
Bobstay—A rope generally of wire extending from the end of the bowsprit to the stem to hold the spar down.
On Yacht Sailing|Thomas Fleming Day

This, with the carrying away of the bobstay, necessitated the taking out of the mast now.
The Rival Campers Afloat|Ruel Perley Smith

British Dictionary definitions for bobstay

bobstay

/ (ˈbɒbˌsteɪ) /

noun

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

Word Origin for bobstay

C18: perhaps from bob 1 + stay ³

Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012