a large, strong rope, employed to support a mast, by being extended from the head of one mast down to some other, or to some part of the vessel. those which lead forward are called fore-and-aft stays; those which lead to the vessel's side are called backstays. see illust. of ship.-to stop from motion or falling; to prop; to fix firmly; to hold up; to support.-to support from sinking; to sustain with strength; to satisfy in part or for the time.-to bear up under; to endure; to support; to resist successfully.-to hold from proceeding; to withhold; to restrain; to stop; to hold.-to hinde/; to delay; to detain; to keep back.-to remain for the purpose of; to wait for.-to cause to cease; to put an end to.-to fasten or secure with stays; as, to stay a flat sheet in a steam boiler.-to tack, as a vessel, so that the other side of the vessel shall be presented to the wind.-to remain; to continue in a place; to abide fixed for a space of time; to stop; to stand still.-to continue in a state.-to wait; to attend; to forbear to act.-to dwell; to tarry; to linger.-to rest; to depend; to rely; to stand; to insist.-to come to an end; to cease; as, that day the storm stayed.-to hold out in a race or other contest; as, a horse stays well.-to change tack; as a ship.-that which serves as a prop; a support.-a corset stiffened with whalebone or other material, worn by women, and rarely by men.-continuance in a place; abode for a space of time; sojourn; as, you make a short stay in this city.-cessation of motion or progression; stand; stop.-hindrance; let; check.-restraint of passion; moderation; caution; steadiness; sobriety.-strictly, a part in tension to hold the parts together, or stiffen them.