ˈbrækɪt n. & v. --n. 1 a right-angled or
other support attached to
and projecting
from a
vertical surface. 2 a shelf fixed
with such a support to a
wall. 3
each of a
pair of marks () [] {} used to
enclose words or figures. 4 a
group classified as containing
similar elements or falling
between given limits (income bracket). 5
Mil.
the distance between
two artillery shots fired
either side of the
target to
establish range. --v.tr. (bracketed, bracketing) 1 a
couple (names etc.) with a
brace. b
imply a
connection or
equality between. 2 a enclose in brackets as
parenthetic or
spurious. b
Math. enclose in brackets as having
specific relations to
what precedes or follows. 3 Mil. establish the range of (a target) by
firing two
preliminary shots
one short of and the other
beyond it. [F braguette or
Sp. bragueta
codpiece, dimin. of F brague f. Prov. braga f. L braca, pl. bracae breeches]