v. Obs. Also 5 enbrace, embrass, 6 enbrase, 7 Sc. embrayis. [a. F. embrase-r, f. en in + *brase, braise hot charcoal.]

1

  1.  trans. To set on fire.

2

1480.  Caxton, Ovid’s Met., XIV. i. Ethna, the hye montayne Embrased wt fyre of helle.

3

1579.  Fenton, Guicciard., XIII. (1599), 607. The powder … being embrased of the fire.

4

  2.  fig. To inflame with passion, etc.

5

1483.  Caxton, Gold. Leg., 88/1. Saynt Nicholas enbraced with the loue of god sette hym hardyly ayenst the righter. Ibid. (1490), Eneydos, xiv. 50. Her grete desire embrasid wyth the swete flamme of loue.

6

a. 1605.  Montgomerie, Bankis Helicon, 102. Hir birning beawtie dois embrayis My breist.

7

  Hence † Embrasing ppl. a.

8

1502.  Ord. Crysten Men (W. de Worde), IV. xxi. (1506), 242. For fere of theues or of the enbrasynge fyre.

9