forestays

Now when they had left the curving shore of the harbour through the cunning and counsel of prudent Tiphys son of Hagnias, who skilfully handled the well-polished helm that he might guide them steadfastly, then at length they set up the tall mast in the mast-box, and secured it with forestays, drawing them taut on each side, and from it they let down the sail when they had hauled it to the top-mast.

The Argonautica 2008

First they unfastened the sheets and let down the sail and lowered the mast by the forestays upon the mast-rest.

Hesiod, Homeric Hymns, and Homerica 2007

In less than an hour afterwards I saw Huntly let himself down by the forestays and clamber along to the forecastle where he joined the group of sailors, and I lost sight of him.

The Survivors of the Chancellor 2003

I watched Ac line of the forestays creep across the misty sky.

The Gates of Noon Rohan, Michael Scott, 1951- 1992

First they unfastened the sheets and let down the sail and lowered the mast by the forestays upon the mast-rest.

Hesiod, the Homeric Hymns, and Homerica Hesiod

Now when they had left the curving shore of the harbour through the cunning and counsel of prudent Tiphys son of Hagnias, who skilfully handled the well-polished helm that he might guide them steadfastly, then at length they set up the tall mast in the mast-box, and secured it with forestays, drawing them taut on each side, and from it they let down the sail when they had hauled it to the top-mast.

The Argonautica Apollonius Rhodius

When these are ready, let forestays be attached and left lying slack in front; let the backstays be carried over the shoulders of the machine to some distance, and, if there is nothing to which they can be fastened, sloping piles should be driven, the ground rammed down all round to fix them firmly, and the ropes made fast to them.

The Ten Books on Architecture Vitruvius Pollio

But even as the _Tiger_ swung into position for a broadside, there came the roar of the pirate's guns, and a shot crashed through the forestays, while others, falling short, threw spray along the deck.

The Black Buccaneer 1934

Suddenly there was a shout from Jeremy, who had climbed into the forestays for a better view.

The Black Buccaneer 1934

And now they set up the mast of pine and they made it fast with forestays, and they hauled up the sails with ropes of twisted oxhide.

The Adventures of Odysseus and The Tales of Troy Padraic Colum 1926