braces

n. a wire device you wear on your teeth to make them straight.

n. an orthodontic appliance consisting of wires and brackets used to align or straighten the teeth.

“He had to wear braces for two years to fix his crooked teeth.”

“After the braces were removed, the orthodontist provided a retainer to ensure the teeth remained in their new positions.”

n. straps that go over your shoulders to hold up your trousers.

n. a pair of straps worn over the shoulders to support trousers; known as suspenders in American English.

“He wore a smart suit with red braces instead of a belt.”

“The traditional tailor suggested silk braces to ensure the trousers draped perfectly without the bunching caused by a leather belt.”

British English

n. an old-fashioned word for handcuffs.

n. a slang or dated term for handcuffs or similar restraints.

“The prisoner was led away in braces.”

“The historical novel described the thief being roughly secured in iron braces before being transported to the city gaol.”

Archaic · Slang