bracket
UK: ˈbrækɪt | US: ˈbrækɪt
n. 1. A support projecting from a wall to hold a shelf or other weight.
n. 2. A category or range (e.g., age bracket, income bracket).
n. 3. Either of the symbols [ ] or ( ) used to enclose text.
vt. 1. To place within brackets.
vt. 2. To classify or group together.
bracket = brac<arm> + ket<diminutive suffix>
- brac (from Old French braguette, meaning "arm" or "support," derived from Latin bracchium "arm").
- ket (a diminutive suffix in Old French, implying a small or secondary form).
Etymology Origin:
The word "bracket" originated in the 16th century from Old French braguette, which referred to a small support or armor piece for the arm. Over time, it evolved to describe architectural supports and later symbolic enclosures (like [ ]), reflecting the idea of "holding" or "grouping." The shift from physical support to abstract categorization mirrors its functional versatility.
The shelf was secured to the wall with sturdy metal brackets.
Tax rates vary depending on your income bracket.
Please bracket the quoted text with square brackets.
The study bracketed participants into three age groups.
The architect designed decorative brackets for the cornice.