Definition of the word bracket

The word "bracket" has its roots in 17th-century naval architecture. Back then, a "bright-work bracket" referred to a decorative piece of wood or metal used to hold the forestay (a rope or wire that supports the mast) in place on a ship. This bracket was typically attached to the hull and allowed for adjustments to be made to the mainmast. Over time, the term "bracket" evolved to describe a more general type of supporting or framing device, used in various contexts such as construction, engineering, and punctuation (as in a paired set of symbols used to group or isolate text). Today, we use "bracket" to refer to a wide range of fixtures, from architectural supports to mathematical function calls. There you have it! A brief look at the origins of the word "bracket".