brace

brace

brace¹ [brās]

vt.

braced, bracing [ME bracen < OFr bracer, to brace, embrace < L brachia, pl. of brachium, an arm < Gr brachiōn, arm, upper arm < brachys, short (in contrast to the longer lower arm): see MERRY]

1. to tie or bind on firmly

2. to tighten, esp. by stretching

3. to strengthen or make firm by supporting the weight of, resisting the pressure of, etc.; prop up

4. to equip or support with braces

5. to make ready for an impact, shock, etc.: often used reflexively

6. to give vigor or energy to; stimulate; invigorate

7. to get a firm hold with (the hands or feet)

☆ 8. Slang to ask a loan or handout from

n.

[ME < OFr, armful, fathom < L brachia]

1. two of a kind; a couple; pair, as of hounds, game animals, or pistols

2. a device that clasps or connects to keep something firmly in place; fastener

3. [pl.] Brit. suspenders

4. a device for setting up or maintaining tension, as a guy wire

5.

a) either of the signs , used to connect or enclose words or items to be considered together

b) such a sign used to connect two or more staves of a musical score

c) the set of staves so connected

6. a device, as a beam, used as a support, to resist strain or pressure, etc.; prop

7.

a) any of various devices for supporting a weak or malformed part of the body: often intended for permanent use in contrast to a splint or cast

b) [often pl.] a device attached to the teeth in order to move them gradually into better occlusion

8. a tool for holding and rotating a drilling bit

☆ 9. Informal a rigid position of exaggerated attention, as that assumed by underclassmen at military academies

SYN.- PAIR

——————

☆ brace up

to call forth one's courage, resolution, etc., as after defeat or disappointment

brace² [brās]

n.

[Fr bras (de vergue), brace (of a yard) < L brachium: see BRACE¹]

Naut. a rope passed through a block at the end of a yard, used to swing the yard about from the deck

vt.

braced, bracing

Naut. to move (a yard) by means of a brace