Em*brace" (?), v. t. [Pref. em- (intens.) + brace, v. t.]
To fasten on, as armor.
[Obs.]
Spenser.
© Webster 1913.
Em*brace", v. t. [imp. & p. p. Embraced (?); p. pr. & vb. n. Embracing (?).] [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; omprise; comprehend; contain; involve; impl
© Webster 1913.
Em*brace" (?), v. i.
To join in an embrace.
© Webster 1913.
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.
© Webster 1913.