brace

Definitions of brace in various dictionaries:

noun - a support that steadies or strengthens something else

noun - two items of the same kind

noun - a set of two similar things considered as a unit

noun - either of two punctuation marks ({ or }) used to enclose textual material

noun - a rope on a square-rigged ship that is used to swing a yard about and secure it

noun - elastic straps that hold trousers up (usually used in the plural)

noun - an appliance that corrects dental irregularities

noun - a carpenter's tool having a crank handle for turning and a socket to hold a bit for boring

noun - a structural member used to stiffen a framework

verb - prepare (oneself) for something unpleasant or difficult

verb - support or hold steady and make steadfast, with or as if with a brace

verb - support by bracing

verb - cause to be alert and energetic

A device that holds or fastens two or more parts together or in place; a clamp.

Suspenders.

An orthopedic appliance used to support, align, or hold a bodily part in the correct position.

Often braces.

An extremely stiff, erect posture.

A cause or source of renewed physical or spiritual vigor.

A protective pad strapped to the bow arm of an archer.

A rope by which a yard is swung and secured on a squarerigged ship.

A cranklike handle with an adj ustable aperture at one end for securing and turning a bit.

A leather loop that slides to change the tension on the cord of a drum.

Music.

A vertical line, usually accompanied by the symbol {, connecting two or more staffs.

A set of staffs connected in this way.

A symbol, { or }, enclosing two or more lines of text or listed items to show that they are considered as a unit.

Either of a pair of symbols, { }, used to indicate aggregation or to clarify the grouping of quantities when parentheses and square brackets have already been used.

See Synonyms at couple.

To furnish with a brace.

To support or hold steady with or as if with a brace; reinforce.

To prepare or position so as to be ready for impact or danger: Union members braced themselves for a confrontation with management.

To confront with questions or requests.

To increase the tension of.

To invigorate; stimulate: “The freshness of the September morning inspired and braced him” (Thomas Hardy).

To get ready; make preparations.

verb - to hold up or add strength to