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Webster 1913 Edition


Jackstay

Jack′stayˊ

,
Noun.
(Naut.)
A rail of wood or iron stretching along a yard of a vessel, to which the sails are fastened.

Definition 2024


jackstay

jackstay

English

Noun

jackstay (plural jackstays)

  1. (nautical) A stay (rope, bar or batten), running along a ship's yard, to which is attached the head of a square sail.
  2. (nautical) A cable between two ships or from a ship to a fixed point which can be used to support a load during transfer of personnel or materiel along the cable.
  3. (nautical) A line (rope, webbing or cable), attached to a boat at the ends, to which a safety harness can be clipped to restrain falling in rough conditions and to prevent falling overboard.
  4. (underwater diving) A line fixed at both ends, which may be used to guide a load or a diver along the route of the line. Uses include guidance to and from the underwater work site, and as a means of controlling an underwater search.