1. a rope, rod, or wire stretched along a ship’s yard or mast to support sails or rigging
Usage: nautical
2. a safety line or cable used by sailors to prevent falling overboard
Usage: nautical

Examples

• The crew secured the sail to the jackstay before hoisting it up the mast.
• Each sailor clipped their harness to the jackstay while working on deck.
• The jackstay ran the full length of the yard to provide proper support.
• During the storm, the jackstay proved essential for crew safety.
• The rigger inspected every jackstay for signs of wear or damage.
• Without the jackstay, the heavy sail would have been impossible to manage.