Em*brace" (&ebreve;m*brās"), v.
t. [Pref. em- (intens.) + brace, v. t.]
To fasten on, as armor. [Obs.] Spenser.
Em*brace", v. t. [imp. & p.
p. Embraced (-brāst"); p. pr. & vb.
n. Embracing (-brā"s&ibreve;ng).] [OE.
embracier, F. embrasser; pref. em- (L.
in) + F. bras arm. See Brace,
n.] 1. To clasp in the arms
with affection; to take in the arms; to hug.
I will embrace him with a soldier's arm,
That he shall shrink under my courtesy.
Shak.
Paul called unto him the disciples, and
embraced them.
Acts xx. 1.
2. To cling to; to cherish; to love.
Shak.
3. To seize eagerly, or with alacrity; to
accept with cordiality; to welcome. "I embrace these
conditions." "You embrace the occasion." Shak.
What is there that he may not embrace for
truth?
Locke.
4. To encircle; to encompass; to
inclose.
Low at his feet a spacious plain is placed,
Between the mountain and the stream embraced.
Denham.
5. To include as parts of a whole; to
comprehend; to take in; as, natural philosophy embraces many
sciences.
Not that my song, in such a scanty space,
So large a subject fully can embrace.
Dryden.
6. To accept; to undergo; to submit to.
"I embrace this fortune patiently." Shak.
7. (Law) To attempt to influence
corruptly, as a jury or court. Blackstone.
Syn. -- To clasp; hug; inclose; encompass; include;
comprise; comprehend; contain; involve; imply.
Em*brace" (?), v. i. To join in an
embrace.
Em*brace", n. Intimate or close
encircling with the arms; pressure to the bosom; clasp;
hug.
We stood tranced in long embraces,
Mixed with kisses.
Tennyson.
