The Collaborative International Dictionary of English v.0.48:

Embrace \Em*brace"\ ([e^]m*br[=a]s"), v. t. [Pref. em- (intens.)
   + brace, v. t.]
   To fasten on, as armor. [Obs.] --Spenser.
   [1913 Webster]

The Collaborative International Dictionary of English v.0.48:

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.
      [1913 Webster]

            I will embrace him with a soldier's arm,
            That he shall shrink under my courtesy. --Shak.
      [1913 Webster]

            Paul called unto him the disciples, and embraced
            them.                                 --Acts xx. 1.
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   2. To cling to; to cherish; to love. --Shak.
      [1913 Webster]

   3. To seize eagerly, or with alacrity; to accept with
      cordiality; to welcome. "I embrace these conditions." "You
      embrace the occasion." --Shak.
      [1913 Webster]

            What is there that he may not embrace for truth?
                                                  --Locke.
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   4. To encircle; to encompass; to inclose.
      [1913 Webster]

            Low at his feet a spacious plain is placed,
            Between the mountain and the stream embraced.
                                                  --Denham.
      [1913 Webster]

   5. To include as parts of a whole; to comprehend; to take in;
      as, natural philosophy embraces many sciences.
      [1913 Webster]

            Not that my song, in such a scanty space,
            So large a subject fully can embrace. --Dryden.
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   6. To accept; to undergo; to submit to. "I embrace this
      fortune patiently." --Shak.
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   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.
        [1913 Webster]

The Collaborative International Dictionary of English v.0.48:

Embrace \Em*brace"\, v. i.
   To join in an embrace.
   [1913 Webster]

The Collaborative International Dictionary of English v.0.48:

Embrace \Em*brace"\, n.
   Intimate or close encircling with the arms; pressure to the
   bosom; clasp; hug.
   [1913 Webster]

         We stood tranced in long embraces,
         Mixed with kisses.                       --Tennyson.
   [1913 Webster]

WordNet (r) 3.0 (2006):

embrace
    n 1: the act of clasping another person in the arms (as in
         greeting or affection) [syn: embrace, embracing,
         embracement]
    2: the state of taking in or encircling; "an island in the
       embrace of the sea"
    3: a close affectionate and protective acceptance; "his willing
       embrace of new ideas"; "in the bosom of the family" [syn:
       embrace, bosom]
    v 1: include in scope; include as part of something broader;
         have as one's sphere or territory; "This group encompasses
         a wide range of people from different backgrounds"; "this
         should cover everyone in the group" [syn: embrace,
         encompass, comprehend, cover]
    2: squeeze (someone) tightly in your arms, usually with
       fondness; "Hug me, please"; "They embraced"; "He hugged her
       close to him" [syn: embrace, hug, bosom, squeeze]
    3: take up the cause, ideology, practice, method, of someone and
       use it as one's own; "She embraced Catholicism"; "They
       adopted the Jewish faith" [syn: espouse, embrace,
       adopt, sweep up]