Collins English-English Dictionary

brace [breɪs]

1. 1. n hand brace a hand tool for drilling holes, with a socket to hold the drill at one end and a cranked handle by which the tool can be turned - See also brace and bit

2. 2. n something that steadies, binds, or holds up another thing

3. 3. n a structural member, such as a beam or prop, used to stiffen a framework

4. 4. n a sliding loop, usually of leather, attached to the cords of a drum: used to change its tension

5. 5. n a pair; two, esp of game birds

   a brace of partridges

6. 6. n either of a pair of characters, , used for connecting lines of printing or writing or as a third sign of aggregation in complex mathematical or logical expressions that already contain parentheses and square brackets

7. 7. n [often plural] an appliance of metal bands and wires that can be tightened to maintain steady pressure on the teeth for correcting uneven alignment

8. 8. n accolade a line or bracket connecting two or more staves of music

9. 9. n [med] any of various appliances for supporting the trunk, a limb, or teeth

10. 10. n another word for bracer

11. 11. n (in square-rigged sailing ships) a rope that controls the movement of a yard and thus the position of a sail

12. 12. n See braces

13. 13. vb [mainly tr] to provide, strengthen, or fit with a brace

14. 14. vb to steady or prepare (oneself or something) as before an impact

15. 15. vb [also intr] to stimulate; freshen; invigorate

    sea air is bracing

16. 16. vb to control the horizontal movement of (the yards of a square-rigged sailing ship)

17. 17. vb [Etymology] C14: from Old French: the two arms, from Latin bracchia arms