different between abaft vs backstay

English

Etymology

From a- (“on”) + Middle English baft, baften, biaften, Old English beæftan; be (“by”) (modern English by) + æftan (“behind”) (modern English after). See also aft.

Pronunciation

• (Received Pronunciation) IPA^(key): /??bæft/, /??b??ft/
• (General American) IPA^(key): /??bæft/, /??b?ft/
• Rhymes: -??ft

Preposition

abaft

1. (nautical) Behind; toward the stern relative to some other object or position; aft of. [First attested around the late 15^th century.]

   The captain stood abaft the wheelhouse.

Translations

Adverb

abaft (comparative more abaft, superlative most abaft)

1. (nautical) On the aft side; in the stern. [First attested in the early 17^th century.]

   We drifted with the wind abaft.

   The mate sleeps abaft.

2. (nautical, obsolete) Backwards. [Attested from around (1150 to 1350) until the late 15^th century.]

Translations

Related terms

• aft
• after

References

Anagrams

• BAFTA, bafta

English

Etymology

back +? stay

Noun

backstay (plural backstays)

1. (nautical) A part of the rigging of a sailing ship extending from masthead the top of the mast to the back of the ship; they support the strain on all upper masts and provide additional support to the shrouds when the wind is abaft the beam.
2. A strengthening or supporting piece that is built into the back of something.

Coordinate terms

• forestay

Translations

Anagrams

• stay back