I. ˈbrāv adjective
( brav·er ; brav·est )
Etymology: Middle French, from Old Italian & Old Spanish bravo courageous, wild, probably from Latin barbarus barbarous
Date: 15th century
1. : having or showing courage
a brave soldier
a brave smile
2. : making a fine show : colorful
brave banners flying in the wind
3. : excellent , splendid
the brave fire I soon had going — J. F. Dobie
• brave·ly adverb
II. verb
( braved ; brav·ing )
Date: 1546
transitive verb
1. : to face or endure with courage
2. obsolete : to make showy
intransitive verb
archaic : to make a brave show
• brav·er noun
III. noun
Date: 1590
1. archaic : bravado
2. : one who is brave ; specifically : an American Indian warrior
3. archaic : bully , assassin