Embrace

v. t. [imp. & p. p. EMBRACED (-brāst'); p. pr. & vb. n. EMBRACING.] [Fr. embrasser, from prefix em, for en, and bras, arm, from Lat. brachium. Pr. embrassar, O. Sp. embracar, now abrazar, It. imbracciare, abbracciare. Cf. BRACE.] 1. To clasp or inclose in the arms; to press to the bosom, in token of affection; to hug. Paul called to him the disciples and embraced them. Acts xx. 1. 2. To cling to with warmth or earnestness; to cherish with affection; to regard with deep interest. So much, high God, doth innocence embrace. Spenser. 3. To encircle; to encompass; to surround or inclose. Between the mountain and the stream embraced. Denham.

4. To include as parts of a whole, or as subordinate divisions of a part; to comprehend; as, natural philosophy embraces many sciences.
5. To seize eagerly, or with alacrity; to accept with cordiality; to welcome; to admit; as, to embrace the opportunity of doing a favor. “I embrace these conditions.” Shak.

What is there that he may not embrace for truth? Locke. 6. (Law.) To attempt to influence corruptly, as a jury. Blackstone. Syn.—To clasp; hug; inclose; encircle; include; comprise; contain; encompass.