[ noun ] a stay that supports the back of something <noun.artifact>
Backstay \Back"stay`\ (b[a^]k"st[=a]`), n. [Back, a. or n. + stay.] 1. (Naut.) A rope or stay extending from the masthead to the side of a ship, slanting a little aft, to assist the shrouds in supporting the mast. [Often used in the plural.]
2. A rope or strap used to prevent excessive forward motion.