brace 
brace (brās)
transitive verb braced, bracing brac′·ing
- to tie or bind on firmly
- to tighten, esp. by stretching
- to strengthen or make firm by supporting the weight of, resisting the pressure of, etc.; prop up
- to equip or support with braces
- to make ready for an impact, shock, etc.: often used reflexively
- to give vigor or energy to; stimulate; invigorate
- to get a firm hold with (the hands or feet)
- ☆ Slang to ask a loan or handout from
Etymology: ME bracen < OFr bracer, to brace, embrace < L brachia, pl. of brachium, an arm < Gr brachiōn, arm, upper arm < brachys, short (in contrast to the longer lower arm): see merry
noun
- two of a kind; a couple; pair, as of hounds, game animals, or pistols
- a device that clasps or connects to keep something firmly in place; fastener
- Brit. suspenders
- a device for setting up or maintaining tension, as a guy wire
- either of the signs { }, used to connect or enclose words or items to be considered together
- such a sign used to connect two or more staves of a musical score
- the set of staves so connected
- a device, as a beam, used as a support, to resist strain or pressure, etc.; prop
- any of various devices for supporting a weak or malformed part of the body: often intended for permanent use in contrast to a splint or cast
- a device attached to the teeth in order to move them gradually into better occlusion
- a tool for holding and rotating a drilling bit
- ☆ Informal a rigid position of exaggerated attention, as that assumed by underclassmen at military academies
Etymology: ME < OFr, armful, fathom < L brachia
brace up
☆brace (brās)
noun
Etymology: Fr bras (de vergue), brace (of a yard) < L brachium: see brace
brace
n.
A support
prop, bolster, stay, support, lever, beam, truss, shore, girder, block, skid, rib, strut, buttress, splice, reinforcement, bearing, upholder, peg, bracket, strengthener, band, bracer, stave, guy, sustainer, stirrup, arm, splint, boom, bar, staff, plinth, stanchion, cantilever, rafter, round, mainstay, jack, crutch; see also beam 1, support 2.A pair
brace
v.
Preposition: of
- pistol: He was armed with a blunderbuss, a brace of pistols and a dagger but gave himself up quietly.
- pheasant: We saw a brace of pheasant on the towpath in beautiful spring plumage.
- twenty: Lee Bacon also did well catching a brace of twenties along with 3 smaller doubles from peg 32.
Object
- yourselves: As the crew shouted brace yourselves, everyone started weeping and wailing.
Converse of object
- curve: The side walls are timber framed with four large panels per bay and curved diagonal braces at the ends.
- wear: A young person with a cleft may need to wear dental braces earlier than most.
Adjective modifier
- curly: Use three curly braces wrapped around the text to define a block quote.
- orthodontic: Your child will be asked to put on a hospital gown and to remove any loose orthodontic braces, false teeth and jewelry.
- diagonal: Diagonal braces at east end of nave look much more recent.
- arched: The central arcade posts and arched braces are from a later rebuild of the hall.
- removable: A breathable nylon adjustable waist tube with removable braces.
- dental: A young person with a cleft may need to wear dental braces earlier than most.
Noun used with modifier
- ankle: Patients with stable ankle fractures should normally be treated in ankle braces.
- arch: Tall panel framing with arch braces visible at rear.
- wrist: Other outfit: Leather bronze pants with matching elbow guards, chest strap and wrist braces.
- knee: A lack of knee braces and no room to stretch her feet out seem to be the main comments.
- leg: The team of doctors, social workers and health workers fit leg braces, provide crutches and give physiotherapy.
Print this Page
Suggestion Box
Send to Friend
