A nautical term: to turn a ship's yards so that the wind fills the sails from ahead, slowing or stopping the vessel.
In sailing, to angle the sails so that the wind pushes against the front of them, which slows the ship down.
One main meaning — here's how to use it.
(Nautical) To position a sailing ship's yards so that the wind strikes the front of the sails, stopping or slowing forward movement.
"The captain ordered them to brace aback to halt the ship's forward progress near the harbor entrance."
To brace (hold firmly or angle) the yards of a ship so they are pushed aback (backward by the wind).
In sailing, to angle the sails so that the wind pushes against the front of them, which slows the ship down.
Exclusively nautical terminology. Not used outside of sailing or maritime history contexts. Rarely encountered by general learners. Historical sailing term.
Natural word combinations native speakers use most often.
The five tense forms you'll use most often.
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