Definitions for bracketˈbræk ɪt

brack•etˈbræk ɪt(n.)

a supporting piece, oftenL- or scroll-shaped, projecting from a wall or the like to bear the weight of a shelf, cornice, etc., or to reinforce the angle between two members.
Category: Architecture, Common Vocabulary
a shelf or shelves so supported.
Category: Building Trades
a wall fixture for holding a lamp, clock, telephone, etc.
Category: Architecture
Category: Printing
Ref: Also called square bracket.
Math. brackets, parentheses of various forms indicating that the enclosed quantity is to be treated as a unit. (loosely)
Category: Math
Ref: vinculum (def. 2). 2
a class, division, or grouping, as of persons in relation to their income or age.
Category: Sociology
a projecting fixture for gas or electricity.
gun range or elevation producing both shorts and overs on a target.
Category: Military
(v.t.)to furnish with or support by a bracket or brackets.
Category: Building Trades
to place within brackets.
Category: Building Trades, Common Vocabulary
to associate, mention, or class together:
The problems were bracketed together.
to place (gunshots) both beyond and short of a target.
Category: Military
to photograph (additional shots) at exposure levels above and below the estimated correct exposure.
Category: Photography

1570–80; earlier also brag(g)et (in architecture)

bracket(noun)ˈækɪt
a group or category
a hotel in the upper price bracket
bracketˈækɪt
parenthesis
***a phrase in brackets
bracketˈækɪt
an object attached to a wall to support a shelf, etc.
***the brackets supporting the shelf

bracket(Noun)
A fixture attached to a wall to hold up a shelf.
bracket(Noun)
Any intermediate object that connects a smaller part to a larger part, the smaller part typically projecting sideways from the larger part.
bracket(Noun)
Generically, any of "(", ")", "[", "]", "{", "}", and, in the area of computer languages, "<", ">".
bracket(Noun)
"(" and ")" specifically, the other forms above requiring adjectives for disambiguation.
bracket(Noun)
"[" and "]" specifically - opposed to the other forms of which have their own technical names.
bracket(Noun)
One of several ranges of numbers.
tax bracket, age bracket
bracket(Verb)
To bound on both sides, to surround as enclosing with brackets.
I tried to hit the bullseye by first bracketing it with two shots and then splitting the difference with my third, but I missed.
bracket(Verb)
To place in the same category.
Because the didn't have enough young boys for two full teams, they bracketed the seven-year olds with the eight-year olds.
bracket(Verb)
To mark distinctly for special treatment.
bracket(Verb)
To set aside, discount, ignore.
bracket(Verb)
To take multiple images of the same subject, using a range of exposure settings, in order to help ensure that a satisfactory image is obtained.
bracket(Verb)
In the philosophical system of Edmund Husserl and his followers, to set aside metaphysical theories and existential questions concerning what is real in order to focus philosophical attention simply on the actual content of experience.

Origin: bragget, probably from braguette.

Bracket(noun)
an architectural member, plain or ornamental, projecting from a wall or pier, to support weight falling outside of the same; also, a decorative feature seeming to discharge such an office
Bracket(noun)
a piece or combination of pieces, usually triangular in general shape, projecting from, or fastened to, a wall, or other surface, to support heavy bodies or to strengthen angles
Bracket(noun)
a shot, crooked timber, resembling a knee, used as a support
Bracket(noun)
the cheek or side of an ordnance carriage
Bracket(noun)
one of two characters [], used to inclose a reference, explanation, or note, or a part to be excluded from a sentence, to indicate an interpolation, to rectify a mistake, or to supply an omission, and for certain other purposes; -- called also crotchet
Bracket(noun)
a gas fixture or lamp holder projecting from the face of a wall, column, or the like
Bracket(verb)
to place within brackets; to connect by brackets; to furnish with brackets