Thesaurus

(n) : that which holds anything tightly or supports it firmly; a bandage or a prop; a cord, ligament, or rod, for producing or maintaining tension, as a cord on the side of a drum

(v) : to prepare for something bad, as an impact or blow. All hands, brace for impact!; to swing round the yards of a square rigged ship, using braces, to present a more efficient sail surface to the direction of the wind