Em‐brace″, v. t. [imp. & p. p.Embraced (–brāst″); p. pr. & vb. n.Embracing (–brā″sĭng).] [OE. embracier, F. embrasser; pref. em- (L. in) + F. bras arm. See Brace, n.] 1. To clasp in the arms with affection; to take in the arms; to hug.
I will embrace him with a soldier's arm,
That he shall shrink under my courtesy. Shak.
Paul called unto him the disciples, and embraced them. Acts xx. 1.
2. To cling to; to cherish; to love. Shak.
3. To seize eagerly, or with alacrity; to accept with cordiality; to welcome. “I embrace these conditions.” “You embrace the occasion.” Shak.
What is there that he may not embrace for truth? Locke.
4. To encircle; to encompass; to inclose.
Low at his feet a spacious plain is placed,
Between the mountain and the stream embraced. Denham.
5. To include as parts of a whole; to comprehend; to take in; as, natural philosophy embraces many sciences.
Not that my song, in such a scanty space,
So large a subject fully can embrace. Dryden.
6. To accept; to undergo; to submit to. “I embrace this fortune patiently.” Shak.
7. (Law) To attempt to influence corruptly, as a jury or court. Blackstone.
Syn. — To clasp; hug; inclose; encompass; include; comprise; comprehend; contain; involve; imply.