1) Nautical rope 2) Nautical terminology 3) Rope holding down a bowsprit 1) Rope 
A stay which holds the bowsprit downwards, counteracting the effect of the forestay. Usually made of wire or chain to eliminate stretch.
A stay which holds the bowsprit downwards, counteracting the effect of the forestay. Usually made of wire or chain to eliminate stretch.
rope used on ships to steady the bowsprit
rope used on ships to steady the bowsprit
• (n.) A rope or chain to confine the bowsprit of a ship downward to the stem or cutwater; -- usually in the pl.
A chain, line, or rod holding a bowsprit or boomkin against upward pull.
Brace from the end of a bowspirit to the lower point of the stern. 
Bob'stay` noun [ Bob + stay .] (Nautical) A rope or chain to confine the bowsprit of a ship downward to the stem or cutwater; -- usually in the plural 
A chain, wire-rope, or rod supporting a bowsprit or boomkin against upward pull. 
Wire Stay underneath the bowsprit; helps to counteract the upward pull exerted by the forestay.
a rope, chain, or rod from the outer end of the bowsprit to the cutwater.