[brace] vb braced ; brac.ing [ME, fr. MF bracier to embrace, fr. brace] vt (14c) 1 archaic: to fasten tightly: bind
2. a: to prepare for use by making taut b: prepare, steel "~ 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 "~s his foot in the stirrup"
6: to waylay esp. with demands or questions ~ vi 1: to take heart--used with up
2: to get ready (as for an attack)
[2]brace n, pl brac.es [ME, clasp, pair, fr. MF, two arms, fr. L bracchia, pl. of bracchium arm, fr. Gk brachion, fr. compar. of brachys short--more at brief] (14c) 1: something (as a clasp) that connects or fastens
2. or pl brace : two of a kind: pair "several ~ of quail"
3: a crank-shaped instrument for turning a bit
4: something that transmits, directs, resists, or supports weight or pressure: as a: a diagonal piece of structural material that serves to strengthen something (as a framework) b: a rope rove through a block at the end of a ship's yard to swing it horizontally c pl: suspenders d: an appliance for supporting a body part e pl: dental appliances used to exert pressure to straighten misaligned teeth
5. a: one of two marks { } used to connect words or items to be considered together b: one of these marks connecting two or more musical staffs carrying parts to be performed simultaneously c: bracket 3a
6: a position of rigid attention 7: something that arouses energy or strengthens morale