embrace 1
— embraceable , adj. — embracement , n. — embracer , n.
/em brays"/ , v. , embraced, embracing , n.
v.t.
1. to take or clasp in the arms; press to the bosom; hug.
2. to take or receive gladly or eagerly; accept willingly: to embrace an idea.
3. to avail oneself of: to embrace an opportunity.
4. to adopt (a profession, a religion, etc.): to embrace Buddhism.
5. to take in with the eye or the mind.
6. to encircle; surround; enclose.
7. to include or contain: An encyclopedia embraces a great number of subjects.
v.i.
8. to join in an embrace.
n.
9. an act or instance of embracing.
[ 1300-50; ME embracier, equiv. to em- EM- 1 + bracier to embrace, deriv. of brace the two arms; see BRACE ]
Syn. 2. adopt, espouse, welcome. 3. seize. 7. comprise, cover, embody. See include .
Ant. 7. exclude.
embrace 2
— embracer , n.
/em brays"/ , v.t., embraced, embracing . Law.
to attempt to influence (a judge or jury) through corrupt means.
[ 1400-1450; late ME: to influence, prejudice, bribe (a jury), perh. the same word as EMBRACE 1 , influenced by embrasen to set on fire ( embraser; see EM- 1 , BRAISE) ]