[f. as prec. + -ER1.]
1. That which clamps, binds, etc.; a cincture, bandage, brace; also a pair of braces (obs.).
1579. J. Jones, Preserv. Body & Soul, I. xix. 34. Vsing instruments … as Brasers, Wastes, or bodies, made eyther of paper bordes, plate, or Cardes, etc. to make them slender.
1626. Capt. Smith, Accid. Yng. Seamen, 11. Bindings, knees, boults, trunions, brasers.
1730. A. Gordon, Maffei’s Amphit., 213. By reason of the Concatenation of the Stones and Iron Bracers.
1799. Specif. J. Foster’s Patent, No. 2361. Making a bracer or sling for keeping up breeches.
1876. Geo. Eliot, Dan. Der., VIII. lx. 543. The chest … was made heavy by ornamental bracers and handles.
† 2. ? The ‘enarme’ or strap for holding the buckler on the arm. Obs. rare–1. (But cf. next word.)
1612. Beaum. & Fl., Cupid’s Rev., IV. 419. Take down my Buckler … and fetch a nail or two: and tack on bracers.
3. That which braces (the nerves); hence a tonic medicine (a common sense in 18th c., now obs.).
1740. Cheyne, Regimen, p. ix. Bark, Bitters and Steel, and such Astringents and Bracers.
1826. Scott, in Lockhart (1839), VIII. 204. Adversity is to me a tonic and a bracer.
1830. Fraser’s Mag., I. 182. As a bracer to the nerves, [I] slipped into the provision-basket a handful of … bottles.
