jack·stay (jăk
stā
)
n. Nautical► A stay for racing or cruising vessels used to steady the mast against the strain of the gaff.
► A rope, rod, or batten along the upper side of a yard, gaff, or boom to which a sail is fastened.
► A rope or rod running vertically on the forward side of the mast on which the yard moves.
[TahlilGaran] American Dictionary ▲