Definition of: brace

(brās) v. braced, brac·ing v.t.
1. To make firm or steady; strengthen by or as by equipping with braces.
2. To make ready to withstand pressure, impact, assault, etc.
3. To tie or fasten firmly, as with straps.
4. To stimulate; enliven.
5. Naut. To turn (the yards) by means of the braces.
6. Slang To ask a loan or favor from.
—v.i.
7. To strain against pressure.
—to brace up Colloq. To rouse one′s courage or resolution.
—noun
1. A support, as of wood or metal, to hold something firmly in place.
2. A cranklike handle, as for a bit.
3. A clasp or clamp used for connecting, fastening, etc.
4. A doubly curved line (), used in writing and printing to connect words, lines, or staves of music.
5. A pair; couple; two: a brace of ducks, etc.
6. The state of being braced; tension.
7. Naut. A rope fastened to a yardarm and reaching the deck, to swing the yard for the wind and to hold it in place.
8. plural Brit. Suspenders. [<OF bracier embrace <brace, brache two arms <L brachia, plural of brachium arm]