1. (n.) The stay extending from the foot of the foremast to the maintop.

2. (n.) Main support; principal dependence.

Maecenas abettor admirer advocate afford support aficionado alpenstock angel apologist arm athletic supporter back back up backbone backer backing bandeau bear bear up bearer bolster bolster up bra brace bracer bracket brassiere buff bulwark buoy up buttress cane carrier carry cervix champion corset cradle crook crutch cushion defender dependence encourager endorser exponent fan favorer foundation garment friend at court fulcrum girdle give support guy guywire hold hold up jock jockstrap keep afloat keep up lend support lover main strength maintain maintainer mast neck paranymph partisan patron pillar pillow promoter prop protagonist reinforce reinforcement reinforcer reliance rest resting place rigging second seconder sectary sheet anchor shore shore up shoulder shroud sider sinews spine sponsor sprit staff stalwart standby standing rigging stave stay stick stiffener strengthener subsidize subvention support supporter sustain sustainer sympathizer underbrace undergird underlie underpin underset upbear uphold upholder upkeep votary walking stick well-wisher