bracket Meaning, Definition & Usage

  1. noun a category falling within certain defined limits
  2. noun either of two punctuation marks (`<' or `>') used in computer programming and sometimes used to enclose textual material
    angle bracket.
  3. noun either of two punctuation marks ([ or ]) used to enclose textual material
    square bracket.
  4. noun a support projecting from a wall (as to hold a shelf)
    wall bracket.
  5. verb support with brackets
    • bracket bookshelves
  6. verb place into brackets
    bracket out.
    • Please bracket this remark
  7. verb classify or group

WordNet

Brack"et noun
Etymology
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.
Definitions
  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. ✍ This is the more general word. See Brace, Cantalever, Console, Corbel, Strut.
  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.
Brack"et transitive verb
Wordforms
imperfect & past participle Bracketed; present participle & verbal noun Bracketing
Definitions
  1. To place within brackets; to connect by brackets; to furnish with brackets.

Webster 1913