brace about
C1 formal transitive
In simple words
In sailing, to swing the large poles (yards) that hold the sails across to the other side of the ship when turning.
Literal meaning: To brace (firmly angle or hold) the yards so they swing about (around) to the other side.
Meanings
1 C1 formal
(Nautical) To swing the yards of a square-rigged vessel to the opposite side when changing tack or direction.
"The bo'sun cried out to brace about as the ship came round into the wind."
Usage notes
Exclusively nautical. Historical square-rigged sailing term. Encountered mainly in maritime literature and historical texts.
Commonly used with
yards ship tack course wind starboard
Forms
Base
brace about
I/you/we/they
3rd person
braces about
he/she/it
Past simple
braced about
yesterday
Past participle
braced about
have + pp
-ing form
bracing about
continuous
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Synonyms
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