n.
Pronunciation: ' br ā s
Function: verb
Inflected Form: braced ; brac · ing
Etymology: Middle English, from Anglo-French bracer to embrace, from brace
Date: 14th century
transitive verb
1 archaic : to fasten tightly : BIND
2 a : to prepare for use by making taut b : PREPARE , STEEL < brace yourself for the shock> c : INVIGORATE , FRESHEN
3 : to turn (a sail yard) by means of a brace
4 a : to furnish or support with a brace <heavily braced against the wind> b : to make stronger : REINFORCE
5 : to put or plant firmly < brace s his foot in the stirrup>
6 : to waylay especially with demands or questions
intransitive verb
1 : to take heart ― used with up
2 : to get ready (as for an attack)