Definition of the word brace

The word "brace" has an interesting history! The term originally referred to a pair or a set of things, especially two closely connected or opposed things. This sense of the word dates back to the 15th century, derived from Old French "brasse", meaning "distaff", which was a pair of sticks used to hold fibers for spinning. Over time, the meaning of "brace" expanded to include other contexts, such as in phrases like "brace yourself" (to prepare oneself for a blow or a shock), or "to wear a brace" (to support or hold up something weak, like a broken limb). Today, the word "brace" is used in various ways, from sports equipment to arrangements or pairings of things.