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Glite Dictionary
headstay

headstay

9.9
A strong rope from a boat's front to the mast top that supports the mast and holds the front sail
  • noun
  • /ˈhɛdˌsteɪ/
  • Specialized
translation icon : stay de proa
  • He checked the headstay before hoisting the jib.

Examples

  • Tensioning the headstay can improve the boat’s upwind performance.

  • The yacht's headstay needed to be replaced after the rough crossing.

  • The headstay is essential for mast stability.

  • Many sailors check their headstays before setting sail.

  • He checked the headstay before hoisting the jib to ensure it was secure.

  • Tensioning the headstay can significantly enhance the boat's upwind performance.

  • The yacht's headstay needed replacement after the rough crossing due to wear.

Surface Forms

headstay singular
headstays plural

Morphology

headstay = head + stay (semi-transparent) = head + stay

Both components are real English words, but 'stay' in the sense 'rope supporting a mast' is specialized nautical jargon, making the compound somewhat specific.

Etymology

Headstay is made of two parts: head means the 'front' of a boat and stay is a rope that 'supports' a mast, so a headstay is the strong rope running from the bow to the top of the mast that holds it and often carries the forward sail.