jackstay

noun

jack·​stay ˈjak-ˌstā How to pronounce jackstay (audio)
1
: an iron rod, wooden bar, or wire rope along a yard of a ship to which the sails are fastened
2
: a support of wood, iron, or rope running up a mast on which the parrel of a yard travels

Word History

First Known Use

circa 1840, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of jackstay was circa 1840

Dictionary Entries Near jackstay

Cite this Entry

“Jackstay.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/jackstay. Accessed 4 Nov. 2024.

Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!