Checks part of the rigging (5)
I believe the answer is:
stays
This could be a double definition.
'checks part of' is the first definition.
'stays' can be an answer for 'checks' (I've seen this in another clue). I am not certain of the 'part of' bit.
'rigging' is the second definition.
(I know that stays is a type of rigging)
'the' acts as a link.
Can you help me to learn more?
(Other definitions for stays that I've seen before include "Remains; support wires" , "Remains; supporting wires" , "restrictive garments" , "... holidays" , "Settles" .)