Mainstay

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

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

Thesaurus Entries

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