brace by

brace by

nautical, dated To turn the yards of different masts in opposite directions, usually so as to bring the ship to a stop. The captain ordered for the sails to be braced by and for anchors to be dropped. Don't brace by yet, wait till we're closer to the port and ready to disembark. A: "That island up ahead is our destination." B: "Let me know when to have the crew brace by."

See also: brace, by

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