Definitions

1. noun

a stay or support, especially on a ship, that resists the backward pressure of the wind on the mast

“The ship’s captain adjusted the backstay to stabilize the mast during the storm.”

2. verb

to support or stabilize something, especially a ship’s mast

“The crew had to backstay the mast to prevent it from toppling over.”

3. verb

to hold something back, especially a part of one’s body

“She had to backstay her hand to avoid touching the hot stove.”