brace
1. brace \'bra-s\ n or brac.es; or brace [ME, pair, clasp, fr. MF, two
arms, fr. L bracchia, pl. of bracchium pl X arm, fr. Gk brachio-n, fr.
compar. of brachys short - more at BRIEF pl 1: two of a kind {several ~ of
quail} 2: something (as a clasp) that connects or fastens 3: a
crank-shaped instrument for turning a bit 4: something that transmits,
directs, resists, or supports weight or pressu re : as 4a: a piece of
structural material that serves as a tie or strut to bear tr ansverse
strains and prevent distortion 4b: a rope rove through a block at the end
of a ship's yard to swing it hor izontally pl 4c: SUSPENDERS 4d: an
appliance for supporting a body part pl 4e: wire fastened to teeth to
correct irregularities in their position 5a: a mark <brace> or <brace> or
<brace> used to connect words or items to be considered together 5b: this
mark connecting two or more musical staffs the parts on which are to be
performed simultaneously; also : the group of staffs so connected 5c:
BRACKET 6: an exaggerated position of rigidly erect bearing 7: something
that arouses energy or strengthens morale
2. brace vt archaic 1: to fasten tightly : BIND 2a: to prepare for use by
making taut 2b: PREPARE, STEEL 2c: INVIGORATE, FRESHEN 3: to turn (a
sail yard) by means of a brace 4a: to furnish or support with a brace 4b:
STRENGTHEN, REINFORCE 5: to put or plant firmly 1: to take heart - used
with up 2: to get ready