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."
brace about
C1 formal transitive
A nautical term: to swing the yards of a square-rigged ship to the opposite side, especially when tacking or changing course.
In plain English
In sailing, to swing the large poles (yards) that hold the sails across to the other side of the ship when turning.
What does "brace about" mean?
One main meaning — here's how to use it.
Literal vs figurative
Words literally mean
To brace (firmly angle or hold) the yards so they swing about (around) to the other side.
Actually means
In sailing, to swing the large poles (yards) that hold the sails across to the other side of the ship when turning.
Usage tip
Exclusively nautical. Historical square-rigged sailing term. Encountered mainly in maritime literature and historical texts.
Words that pair with "brace about"
Natural word combinations native speakers use most often.
yards ship tack course wind starboard
How to conjugate "brace about"
The five tense forms you'll use most often.
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
Hear "brace about" in the wild
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Other ways to say "brace about"
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