brave

Meanings

1. 1
   adj

   brightly colored and showy

   girls decked out in brave new dresses

2. 2
   noun

   people who are brave

   the home of the free and the brave

3. 3
   verb

   to face and withstand with courage

   I braved the elements.

4. 4
   adj

   Strong in the face of fear; courageous.

   For miſerie doth braueſt mindes abate, / And make them ſeeke for that they wont to ſcorne, / Of fortune and of hope at once forlorne.

5. 5
   adj

   Having any sort of superiority or excellence.

   Is it not paſſing braue to be a King, And ride in triumph through Perſepolis?

6. 6
   adj

   Making a fine show or display.

   Their plumed helmes are wrought with beaten golde, Their ſwords enameld, and about their neckes Hangs maſſie chaines of golde downe to the waſte, In euery part exceding braue and rich.

7. 7
   noun

   A man daring beyond discretion; a bully.

   Hot Braves, like thee, may fight; but know not well / To manage this, the laſt great Stake of Hell.

8. 8
   noun

   A challenge; a defiance; bravado.

   Demetrius, thou dost overween in all; / And so in this, to bear me down with braves.

Etymology

From Middle French brave, borrowed from Italian bravo, itself of uncertain origin (see there). Doublet of bravo.