1. forestay - Noun
2. forestay - Verb
A large, strong rope, reaching from the foremast head to the bowsprit, to support the mast. See Illust. under Ship.
Source: Webster's dictionaryA sloop has a simple system of mast rigging — a forestay (connecting the mast to bow), a backstay (mast to stern) and shrouds (mast to sides). Source: Internet
The stay running forward from a mast to the bow is called the forestay or headstay. Source: Internet