Brace

a support that steadies or strengthens something else

two items of the same kind

a set of two similar things considered as a unit

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)

an appliance that corrects dental irregularities

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

a structural member used to stiffen a framework

prepare (oneself) for something unpleasant or difficult

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

support by bracing

cause to be alert and energetic