What is "embracing"

Embrace \Em*brace"\, v. t. [imp. & p. p. Embraced ([e^]m*br[=a]st"); p. pr. & vb. n. Embracing ([e^]m*br[=a]"s[i^]ng).] [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.

   I will embrace him with a soldier's arm, That he shall shrink under my courtesy.
   --Shak.

   Paul called unto him the disciples, and embraced them.
   --Acts xx. 1.

2. To cling to; to cherish; to love.
   --Shak.

3. To seize eagerly, or with alacrity; to accept with cordiality; to welcome. ``I embrace these conditions.'' ``You embrace the occasion.''
   --Shak.

   What is there that he may not embrace for truth?
   --Locke.

4. To encircle; to encompass; to inclose.

   Low at his feet a spacious plain is placed, Between the mountain and the stream embraced.
   --Denham.

5. To include as parts of a whole; to comprehend; to take in; as, natural philosophy embraces many sciences.

   Not that my song, in such a scanty space, So large a subject fully can embrace.
   --Dryden.

6. To accept; to undergo; to submit to. ``I embrace this fortune patiently.''
   --Shak.

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.

n. The act of giving an embrace. vb. (present participle of embrace English)

n. the act of clasping another person in the arms (as in greeting or affection) [syn: embrace]