noun A curved instrument or handle of iron or wood, for holding and turning bits, etc.; a bitstock.
a brace and bit
noun That which holds anything tightly or supports it firmly; a bandage or a prop.
noun A cord, ligament, or rod, for producing or maintaining tension.
noun A thong used to regulate the tension of a drum.
noun The state of being braced or tight; tension.
noun Harness; warlike preparation.
noun A curved, pointed line, also known as "curly bracket": { or } connecting two or more words or lines, which are to be considered together, such as in {role, roll}; in music, used to connect staves.
noun A pair, a couple; originally used of dogs, and later of animals generally (e.g., a brace of conies) and then other things, but rarely human persons.