Sailboat "parts" question

[Patrick Anderson]

Hi, all --

Just want to throw a question out there, and hoping someone has an answer. I recently read a book that referred to a broken and partially missing "stalwart" on a sailboat. Anyone have a clue what that is? I've owned a few boats, and have never heard of one. I'm thinking the author meant "bulwark," and it's been sticking in my craw. Any help would be appreciated.

--Patrick

 

[Ross]

I think it may be a typo. Or a contraction of stanchion and bulwark?

 

[Tim R.]

I think his autospell got the best of him.

Stalwart: marked by outstanding strength and vigor of body, mind, or spirit

 

[Ross]

Lets try it as an anagram: s t a l w a r t
Walt's art.

 

[Patrick Anderson]

Thanks, everyone. This is a direct quote from the book:

"It listed to the portside and seawater sloshed onto the deck. The stalwart had been broken, most of it missing. The sail was full and the lines holding it in place flexed
and eased with the wind."

 

[Bob Poff]

After some searching online, I found this definition:

late 14c., Scottish variant of O.E. stælwierðe "good, serviceable," probably a contracted compound of staðol "foundation, support"

Found HERE

Another case of the mutation of words through the years maybe?
In reading of history, in particular maritime history, you see how much language changes.

 

[Peggie Hall HeadMistress]

I found a reference to "stalwart" described as reinforcements to a ship's bow to convert it to an ice breaker...so I wonder if, in the context of Patrick's book, the "stalwart" refers to a figurehead...???