brace

[[t]breɪs[/t]]

n. v. braced, brac•ing

1) something that holds parts together or in place, as a clasp or clamp

2) anything that imparts rigidity or steadiness

3) bui mac a device for holding and turning a bit for boring or drilling; bitstock

4) bui a piece of timber, metal, etc., for supporting or positioning another part of a framework

5) naut. navig. (on a square-rigged ship) a rope by which a yard is swung about and secured horizontally

6) den Usu., braces. an oral appliance consisting generally of wires or bands, used to correct misalignment of the teeth and jaws by exerting pressure on the teeth and their supporting structures

7) srg an orthopedic appliance for supporting a weak joint or joints

8) brit. clo braces, chiefly brit.

suspender 1)

9) a pair; couple:

a brace of grouse[/ex]

10)

a) pri one of two characters {or} used to enclose words or lines to be considered together

b) pri

bracket 4)

11) mad a printed brace connecting musical staves

12) a protective band for the wrist or lower arm, esp. a bracer

13) mil Mil. a position of attention with exaggeratedly stiff posture

14) to furnish, fasten, or strengthen with or as if with a brace

15) to steady (oneself), as against a shock

16) to make tight; increase the tension of

17) to act as a stimulant to

18) naut. navig. to swing or turn around (the yards of a ship) by means of the braces

19) inf phv brace up, Informal. to summon up one's courage; become resolute

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Etymology: 1300–50; ME < AF, OF: pair of arms < L brācchia, pl. of brācchium arm < Gk; see brachium