¦ noun
1. a device supporting a weak or injured part of the body.
a wire device fitted in the mouth to straighten the teeth.
a strengthening piece of iron or timber in building or carpentry.
2. (braces) Brit. a pair of straps passing over the shoulders and fastening to the top of trousers at the front and back to hold them up.
3. (plural same) a pair of things, especially birds or mammals killed in hunting.
4. (also brace and bit) a drilling tool with a crank handle and a socket to hold a bit.
5. either of two connecting marks { and }, used in printing.
Music a similar mark connecting staves to be performed at the same time.
6. a rope attached to the yard of a ship for trimming the sail.
¦ verb
1. make stronger or firmer with wood, iron, etc.
2. press (one's body) firmly against something in order to stay balanced.
3. (brace oneself) prepare for something difficult or unpleasant.
Origin
ME: from OFr. bracier 'embrace', from brace 'two arms', from L. bracchia, plural of bracchium 'arm', from Gk brakhion.