A rope, chain, or rod attached to anything to steady it; as: a
   rope to steady or guide an object which is being hoisted or lowered; a
   rope which holds in place the end of a boom, spar, or yard in a ship; a
   chain or wire rope connecting a suspension bridge with the land on
   either side to prevent lateral swaying; a rod or rope attached to the
   top of a structure, as of a derrick, and extending obliquely to the
   ground, where it is fastened.