bracer

¹ American  

[brey-ser] / ˈbreɪ sər /

noun

1. a person or thing that braces, binds, or makes firm.

2. Informal. a stimulating drink, especially one of liquor.

---

bracer ² American  

[brey-ser] / ˈbreɪ sər /

noun

Archery.

1. a guard or band worn over the wrist of the bow hand to protect it from the snap of the bowstring.

---

bracer ¹ British  

/ ˈbreɪsə /

noun

1. a person or thing that braces

2. informal a tonic, esp an alcoholic drink taken as a tonic

---

bracer ² British  

/ ˈbreɪsə /

noun

1. archery fencing a leather guard worn to protect the arm

---

Etymology

Origin of bracer¹

First recorded in 1570–80; brace + -er ¹

Origin of bracer²

1350–1400; Middle English < Anglo-French; Old French braceure, equivalent to brace arm ( brace (noun)) + -ure -ure

Example Sentences

The Royal Navy's success in scotching France's sea power before the Axis could get it was a national bracer.

From Time Magazine Archive

Even as it stands, it is a clear, vivid warning and bracer to that man-in-the-street who makes or breaks democracies, seldom reads books, and is this book's ideal reader.

From Time Magazine Archive

But not for long: the Government realized that a show is as much of a wartime bracer as a whiskey-&-soda, soon permitted every theatre in London to stay open till 10:45 or 11 p.m.

From Time Magazine Archive

Coffee with lots of sugar instead of alcohol for a bracer is one of his rules, though he does drink sociably.

From Time Magazine Archive

Alsvindr gnawed on his bit impatiently, and Anya said, “Hang on,” as she pulled her bracer from where it was fastened to her quiver strap.

From Anya and the Nightingale by Sofiya Pasternack