What is the meaning of brace?

noun

• A support that steadies or strengthens something else.
  • usage: "he wore a brace on his knee"
• Two items of the same kind.
  • synonyms: couple, pair, twosome, twain, span, yoke, couplet, distich, duo, duet, dyad, duad
• A set of two similar things considered as a unit.
  • synonyms: pair
• Either of two punctuation marks ({ or }) used to enclose textual material.
• A rope on a square-rigged ship that is used to swing a yard about and secure it.
• Elastic straps that hold trousers up (usually used in the plural.
  • synonyms: suspender, gallus
• An appliance that corrects dental irregularities.
  • synonyms: braces, orthodontic braces
• A carpenter's tool having a crank handle for turning and a socket to hold a bit for boring.
  • synonyms: bitstock
• A structural member used to stiffen a framework.
  • synonyms: bracing

verb

• Prepare (oneself) for something unpleasant or difficult.
  • synonyms: poise
• Support or hold steady and make steadfast, with or as if with a brace.
  • usage: "brace your elbows while working on the potter's wheel"
  • synonyms: steady, stabilize, stabilise
• Support by bracing.
• Cause to be alert and energetic.
  • usage: "Coffee and tea stimulate me"; "This herbal infusion doesn't stimulate"
  • synonyms: stimulate, arouse, energize, energise, perk up