brace
brace
(brās) noun
1.
A device that holds or fastens two or more parts together or in place; a clamp.
2.
A device, such as a supporting beam in a building or a connecting wire or rope, that steadies or holds something else erect.
3.
braces Chiefly British. Suspenders.
4. An orthopedic appliance used to support, align, or hold a bodily part in the correct position.
5. Often braces A dental appliance, constructed of bands and wires that is fixed to the teeth to correct irregular alignment.
6. An extremely stiff, erect posture.
7. A cause or source of renewed physical or spiritual vigor.
8. A protective pad strapped to the bow arm of an archer.
9. Nautical. A rope by which a yard is swung and secured on a square-rigged ship.
10. A cranklike handle with an adjustable aperture at one end for securing and turning a bit.
11. Music. A leather loop that slides to change the tension on the cord of a drum.
12. Music. a. A vertical line, usually accompanied by the symbol {, connecting two or more staffs. b. A set of staffs connected in this way.
13. A symbol, { or }, enclosing two or more lines of text or listed items to show that they are considered as a unit.
14. Mathematics. Either of a pair of symbols, {}, used to indicate aggregation or to clarify the grouping of quantities when parentheses and square brackets have already been used. Also called bracket.
15. plural brace A pair of like things: three brace of partridges. See synonyms at couple.
verb
braced, bracing, braces
verb
, transitive
1.
To furnish with a brace.
2.
To support or hold steady with or as if with a brace; reinforce.
3.
To prepare or position so as to be ready for impact or danger: Union members braced themselves for a confrontation with management.
4.
To confront with questions or requests.
5.
To increase the tension of.
6.
To invigorate; stimulate: "The freshness of the September morning inspired and braced him" (Thomas Hardy).
7.
Nautical. To turn (the yards of a ship) by the braces.
verb
, intransitive
To get ready; make preparations.
phrasal verb.
brace up
To summon one's strength or endurance.
[Middle English, from Old French, two arms, from Latin brācchia pl. of brācchium, arm, from Greek brakhiōn, upper arm V., partly from Old French bracier, from Old French brace.]