Definify.com
Webster 1913 Edition
Bracket
Brack′et
,Noun.
[Cf. OF.
braguette
codpiece, F. brayette
, Sp. bragueta
, also a projecting mold in architecture; dim. fr. L. bracae
breeches; cf. also, OF. bracon
beam, prop, support; of unknown origin. Cf. Breeches
.] 1.
(Arch.)
An architectural member, plain or ornamental, projecting from a wall or pier, to support weight falling outside of the same; also, a decorative feature seeming to discharge such an office.
2.
(Engin. & Mech.)
A piece or combination of pieces, usually triangular in general shape, projecting from, or fastened to, a wall, or other surface, to support heavy bodies or to strengthen angles.
3.
(Naut.)
A shot, crooked timber, resembling a knee, used as a support.
4.
(Mil.)
The cheek or side of an ordnance carriage.
5.
(Print.)
One of two characters [], used to inclose a reference, explanation, or note, or a part to be excluded from a sentence, to indicate an interpolation, to rectify a mistake, or to supply an omission, and for certain other purposes; – called also
crotchet
. 6.
A gas fixture or lamp holder projecting from the face of a wall, column, or the like.
Bracket light
, a gas fixture or a lamp attached to a wall, column, etc.
Brack′et
,Verb.
T.
[
imp. & p. p.
Bracketed
; p. pr. & vb. n.
Bracketing
] 1.
To place within brackets; to connect by brackets; to furnish with brackets.
Webster 1828 Edition
Bracket
BRACK'ET
, [Heb. to bend the knee; hence it signifies the knee.]1.
Among workers in timber, an angular wooden stay, in form of the knee bent, to support shelves, scaffolds and the like.2.
The cheek of a mortar carriage, made of strong plank.3.
In printing, hooks; thus, [].