bobstay

Related to bobstay: dolphin striker

bob·stay

B0359900 (bŏb′stā′)n. Nautical A rope, chain, or rod that exerts downward tension on a bowsprit to counteract the pull of the forestay.

bobstay

(ˈbɒbˌsteɪ) n (Nautical Terms) a strong stay between a bowsprit and the stem of a vessel for holding down the bowsprit[C18: perhaps from bob1 + stay3]

bob•stay

(ˈbɒbˌsteɪ)

n. a rope, chain, or rod from the outer end of the bowsprit to the cutwater. [1750–60]