■ noun
1》 a device supporting a weak or injured part of the body.
↘a wire device fitted in the mouth to straighten the teeth.
↘a strengthening piece of iron or timber in building or carpentry.
2》 ( ~s ) Brit. a pair of straps passing over the shoulders and fastening to the top of trousers at the front and back to hold them up.
3》 ( plural same) a pair of things, especially birds or mammals killed in hunting.
4》 (also ~ and bit ) a drilling tool with a crank handle and a socket to hold a bit.
5》 either of two connecting marks { and }, used in printing.
↘ Music a similar mark connecting staves to be performed at the same time.
6》 a rope attached to the yard of a ship for trimming the sail.
■ verb
1》 make stronger or firmer with wood, iron, etc.
2》 press (one's body) firmly against something in order to stay balanced.
3》 ( ~ oneself ) prepare for something difficult or unpleasant.
Origin
ME: from OFr. bracier 'em~', from ~ 'two arms', from L. bracchia , plural of bracchium 'arm', from Gk brakhiōn .