v. t. [ imp. & p. p. Embraced p. pr. & vb. n. Embracing ] [ 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. [ 1913 Webster ] I will embrace him with a soldier's arm,
That he shall shrink under my courtesy. Shak. [ 1913 Webster ] Paul called unto him the disciples, and embraced them. Acts xx. 1. [ 1913 Webster ] 2. To cling to; to cherish; to love. Shak. [ 1913 Webster ] 3. To seize eagerly, or with alacrity; to accept with cordiality; to welcome. “I embrace these conditions.” “You embrace the occasion.” Shak. [ 1913 Webster ] What is there that he may not embrace for truth? Locke. [ 1913 Webster ] 4. To encircle; to encompass; to inclose. [ 1913 Webster ] Low at his feet a spacious plain is placed,
Between the mountain and the stream embraced. Denham. [ 1913 Webster ] 5. To include as parts of a whole; to comprehend; to take in; as, natural philosophy embraces many sciences. [ 1913 Webster ] Not that my song, in such a scanty space,
So large a subject fully can embrace. Dryden. [ 1913 Webster ] 6. To accept; to undergo; to submit to. “I embrace this fortune patiently.” Shak. [ 1913 Webster ] 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. [ 1913 Webster ] | 
