n.[C]

1. 托架，撑架；托座
   A bracket may be used to hold up a shelf or a candle.

   托架可用来支撑搁板或蜡烛。

2. 方括弧；括弧[P1]
   The comments in brackets are the author's.

   括号内的评语是作者的。

3. 类别，档次，等级段，阶层
   This book is written for the 10-to-11 age bracket.

   这本书是为十到十一岁年龄层的孩子写的。

   Their incomes are brought into a higher bracket.

   他们的收入已进入一个较高的等级段。

4. 同类（或同等级）的人

vt.

1. 给……装托架；用托架固定
2. 用括弧括
   I think you should bracket this word.

   我认为你应该给这个字加上括号。

3. 围住
4. 把……归入同一类；将……相提并论[（+with）]
   Don't bracket me with him just because we work for the same company.

   别因为我们为同一个公司工作，就把我和他相提并论。

5. 排除[（+off）]

n.

1. each of a pair of marks ( ) [ ] { } < > used to enclose words or figures and separate them from the surrounding context.
2. a category of similar people or things.
3. a right-angled support projecting from a wall, holding a shelf, lamp, etc.
4. Military  the distance between two artillery shots fired either side of the target to establish range.

v.

1. enclose (words or figures) in brackets.
   ▸Mathematics  enclose (a complex expression) in brackets to denote that the whole of the expression has a particular relation to another expression.
2. place in the same category.
3. attach by means of a bracket.
4. Military  establish the range of (a target) by firing preliminary shots short of and beyond it.