a large strong rope employed to support the mast on the fore-part, by extending from its upper end towards the fore-part of the ship, as the shrouds are extended to the right and left, and behind it. See MAST, RIGGING, and SHROUD.

The stay of the foremast a, fig. 3. plate CCLXXVI., which is called the fore-stay, reaches from the mast-head towards the bowprit-end: the main-stay b extends over the forecastle to the ship's stem; and the mizen-stay c is stretched down to that part of the mainmast which lies immediately above the quarter-deck: the fore-topmast stay d comes also to the end of the bowprit, a little beyond the fore-stay: the main-topmast stay e is attached to the head or hounds of the foremast; and the mizen-topmast stay comes also to the hounds of the mainmast: the fore-top-gallant stay comes to the outer end of the jib-boom; and the main-top gallant stay is extended to the head of the fore-topmast.

Star-Sail, a sort of triangular sail extended upon a stay. See SAIL.