braces

n an appliance that corrects dental irregularities n a support that steadies or strengthens something else n two items of the same kind n a set of two similar things considered as a unit n either of two punctuation marks ({ or }) used to enclose textual material n a rope on a square-rigged ship that is used to swing a yard about and secure it n elastic straps that hold trousers up (usually used in the plural) n an appliance that corrects dental irregularities n a carpenter's tool having a crank handle for turning and a socket to hold a bit for boring n a structural member used to stiffen a framework v prepare (oneself) for something unpleasant or difficult v support or hold steady and make steadfast, with or as if with a brace v support by bracing v cause to be alert and energetic