Emily Dickinson Lexicon

EM-BRACE', v.t. [Fr. embrasser, from en and bras, the arm; Sp. abrazar, from brazo, the arm; It. abbracciare, imbracciare, from braccio, the arm; Ir. umbracaim, from brac, the arm. See Brace.]

1. To take, clasp, or inclose in the arms; to press to the bosom, in token of affection. Paul called to him the disciples and embraced them. Acts xx.
2. To seize eagerly; to lay hold on; to receive or take with willingness that which is offered; as, to embrace the Christian religion; to embrace the opportunity of doing a favor.
3. To comprehend; to include or take in; as, natural philosophy embraces many sciences. Johnson.
4. To comprise; to inclose; to encompass; to contain; to encircle. Low at his feet a spacious plain is placed, Between the mountain and the stream embraced. Denham.
5. To receive; to admit. What is there that he may not embrace for truth? Locke.
6. To find; to take; to accept. Fleance – must embrace the fate / Of that dark hour. Shak.
7. To have carnal intercourse with.
8. To put on. Spenser.
9. To attempt to influence a jury corruptly. Blackstone.