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brace
DCHP-2 (Nov 2012)
Non-Canadianism
This is a word that our editors have determined is not a Canadianism.
n. — usually plural, historical
fabric or leather straps worn over the shoulders to hold up trousers.
This term was formerly used in Canada as a preservation of British origin. Today it is solely associated with Britain (see the 1995 quotation).
See also COD-2, s.v. "brace" (2), which is marked "Cdn, Brit., Austral., & NZ", and OED-3, s.v. "brace" (n.2(9b)), AHD-5, s.v. "brace", which is marked as "chiefly British".
See also COD-2, s.v. "brace" (2), which is marked "Cdn, Brit., Austral., & NZ", and OED-3, s.v. "brace" (n.2(9b)), AHD-5, s.v. "brace", which is marked as "chiefly British".
Quotations
1945
[...] Sir Thomas grew so enthusiastic that he lost a button holding up his suspenders ("braces" to him) and finished the concert [...]
1984
"Suspenders are the only thing I have not worked in plaids," said Flusser who at the time was wearing a pair of braces depicting Tweety and Sylvester.
1995
[...] thrice-divorced King's third wife Sharon -- "we remain close'' -- suggested he wear suspenders, which he calls braces, in British terminology.
2006
[...] a man who "wears braces and sock suspenders, stays in gentlemen's clubs when in London and calls secretaries 'typists.' "
2012
Black Tie - Often referred to as a 'tuxedo,' this consists of a black dinner jacket (white during the summer months is acceptable) with black trousers with a silk stripe, crisp white pleated shirt, black bow tie and cummerbund, black shoes (patent leather, preferably), black socks (silk or cotton), braces (suspenders), no belt. Never worn before 5 p.m.
References
- AHD-5
- COD-2
- OED-3