mainstay
UK: ˈmeɪnsteɪ | US: ˈmeɪnsteɪ
n. a person or thing that acts as a chief support or dependable element
n. (nautical) the strong rope or stay that secures the mainmast of a ship
The word "mainstay" originates from nautical terminology, where "main" refers to the principal mast of a ship (from Old English "mægen," meaning strength or power) and "stay" denotes a supporting rope or cable (from Old English "stæg"). Over time, it evolved metaphorically to describe any primary source of stability or reliability, reflecting its literal role in ship rigging. The transition from maritime jargon to general usage highlights how specialized terms often broaden in meaning.
She has been the mainstay of the team for over a decade.
Agriculture remains the mainstay of the country’s economy.
The old oak tree is a mainstay of the village’s landscape.
His unwavering optimism was the mainstay of their friendship.
The mainstay of the ship’s rigging snapped during the storm.