noun
brace
brays
noun
1
A device or support that holds something firmly in place or steadies it.
"He wore a knee brace after the injury."
"The wooden brace kept the shelf from sagging."
2
A pair of something, especially game birds or similar items.
"The hunters returned with a brace of pheasants."
verb
1
To prepare oneself for something difficult or unpleasant, such as an impact or shock.
"Brace yourself — the news isn't good."
"Passengers were told to brace for a rough landing."
How to Use Brace
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishSomething that supports or holds steady, a pair of something, or to prepare for impact.
Easily confused with
Common pairings
brace yourself
a brace of
knee brace
Word Forms
braced past tense, braces plural, Braces plural, braces singular
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He wore a knee _____ after the injury.
Etymology
From Old French "brace" ("arm"), from Latin "bracchia," the plural of "bracchium" ("arm").