Standard Lemma guide
Definitions and examples are grouped by meaning. Pronunciation, history, word forms, translations, descendants, synonyms, antonyms, derived terms, and related words appear whenever the source provides them.
Sound
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No pronunciation record was provided for this word.
noun
A stay that extends from the top of the foremast to the bow or bowsprit of a sailing ship
Definition source: English Wiktionary via Wiktextract
Topics: nautical, transport
No example sentence was provided for this meaning.
Synonyms: headstay
Antonyms: none provided
verb
To stay beforehand; secure or fasten with or as with a forestay.
Definition source: English Wiktionary via Wiktextract
Usage: transitive
No example sentence was provided for this meaning.
Synonyms: none provided
Antonyms: none provided
verb
To stay, delay, postpone, or hinder beforehand; forestall; prevent.
Definition source: English Wiktionary via Wiktextract
Usage: transitive
No example sentence was provided for this meaning.
Synonyms: none provided
Antonyms: none provided
noun
an adjustable stay from the foremast to the deck or bowsprit; controls the bending of the mast
Definition source: Princeton WordNet 3.0
No example sentence was provided for this meaning.
Synonyms: none provided
Antonyms: none provided
Broader terms: stay
Narrower terms: mainstay
History
From Middle English forstay, forstey, vorstey, equivalent to fore- + stay (“a stay, rope”).
From fore- + stay (“to hold off, postpone, delay”).
Across languages
6 source translations are retained for this English entry.
