A messenger wire is a wire or cable that is used solely for the
physical support of another element, typically a conductive wire or
bundle of wires. The messenger wire will take the shape of a
parabola (shape of a free hanging string) and the conductive wore
or bundle of wires supported by the messenger may follow that
parabola of be supported in a straight lines through the use of
drop lines. Take a look at the power catenary for a light rail or
electrified bus system.