thorough brace

American  

noun

1. either of two strong braces or bands of leather supporting the body of a coach or other vehicle and connecting the front and back springs.

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thorough brace British  

noun

1. either of two strong leather straps upon which the body of certain types of carriage is supported

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Other Word Forms

• thorough-braced adjective

Etymology

Origin of thorough brace

An Americanism dating back to 1830–40

Example Sentences

It is built mostly of oak, and the coach body rests on a huge leather strap known as a thorough brace, the design of which was one of the secrets to Abbot-Downing’s success.

From Washington Times

Never an ax had seen their chips, And the wedges flew from between their lips, Their blunt ends frizzled like celery tips; Step and prop-iron, bolt and screw, Spring, tire, axle and linch pin too, Steel of the finest, bright and blue; Thorough brace, bison skin, thick and wide; Boot, top dasher from tough old hide, Found in the pit when the tanner died.

From Project Gutenberg

Now in building of chaises, I'll tell you what, There is always somewhere a weakest spot— In hub, tire, or felloe, in spring or thill, In panel, or crossbar, or floor, or sill, In screw, bolt, thorough brace—lurking still, Find it somewhere you must and will— Above or below, or within or without— And that's the reason, beyond a doubt, A chaise breaks down, but doesn't wear out.

From Project Gutenberg