[breys] 
noun, verb, braced, brac⋅ing.| 1. | something that holds parts together or in place, as a clasp or clamp. |
| 2. | anything that imparts rigidity or steadiness. |
| 3. | Also called bitbrace, bitstock. Machinery. a device for holding and turning a bit for boring or drilling. |
| 4. | Building Trades. a piece of timber, metal, etc., for supporting or positioning another piece or portion of a framework. |
| 5. | Nautical. (on a square-rigged ship) a rope by which a yard is swung about and secured horizontally. |
| 6. | Music. leather loops sliding upon the tightening cords of a drum to change their tension and the drum's pitch. |
| 7. | Often, braces. Dentistry. a round or flat metal wire placed against the surfaces of the teeth for straightening irregularly arranged teeth. |
| 8. | Medicine/Medical. an appliance for supporting a weak joint or joints. |
| 9. | braces, Chiefly British. suspender (def. 1). |
| 10. | a pair; couple: a brace of grouse. |
| 11. | Printing.
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| 12. | Music. connected staves. |
| 13. | a protective band covering the wrist or lower part of the arm, esp. a bracer. |
| 14. | Military. a position of attention with exaggeratedly stiff posture. |
| 15. | to furnish, fasten, or strengthen with or as if with a brace. |
| 16. | to fix firmly; make steady; secure against pressure or impact: He braces himself when the ship rolls. Brace yourself for some bad news. |
| 17. | to make tight; increase the tension of. |
| 18. | to act as a stimulant to. |
| 19. | Nautical. to swing or turn around (the yards of a ship) by means of the braces. |
| 20. | Military. to order (a subordinate) to assume and maintain a brace. |
| 21. | Military. to assume a brace. |
| 22. | brace in, Nautical. to brace (the yards of a square-rigged vessel) more nearly athwartships, as for running free. |
| 23. | brace up, Informal. to summon up one's courage; become resolute: She choked back her tears and braced up. |
brace (brās)
n.
An orthopedic appliance that supports or holds a movable part of the body in correct position while allowing motion of the part.
Often braces A dental appliance, constructed of bands and wires that is fixed to the teeth to correct irregular alignment.