brace

A structural member used to stiffen a framework.

A rope on a square-rigged ship that is used to swing a yard about and secure it.

A support that steadies or strengthens something else.

“he wore a brace on his knee”

Either of two punctuation marks ({ or }) used to enclose textual material.

A set of two similar things considered as a unit.

A carpenter's tool having a crank handle for turning and a socket to hold a bit for boring.

Two items of the same kind.

An appliance that corrects dental irregularities.

Elastic straps that hold trousers up (usually used in the plural).

Support by bracing.

Prepare (oneself) for something unpleasant or difficult.

Cause to be alert and energetic.

Support or hold steady and make steadfast, with or as if with a brace.

“brace your elbows while working on the potter's wheel”