n. 1 bracket, stiffener, reinforcement, reinforcer, support, buttress, prop, stay, strut, truss Two steel braces have been installed to steady the columns 2 drill He bored three holes in the wood with his brace and auger 3 clasp, clamp, buckle, fastener, clip, holdfast, catch, coupler, coupling Another brace will be needed here to strengthen the handle 4 pair; couple, span, team (of two) A brace of duelling pistols was sold at auction last week for $20,000 Her carriage was drawn by a brace of palominos.
v. 5 steady, reinforce, support, strengthen, prop or shore up Iron bars are used to brace the arches 6 brace oneself. steady or gird or prepare oneself; hold or hang on I braced myself against the likelihood that she would refuse