Question

There was no superfluous ornament in the room—not one modern piece of furniture, save a brace of workboxes and a lady’s desk in rosewood, which stood on a side-table: everything—including the carpet and curtains—looked at once well worn and well saved. (chapter 29)
Based upon its use in the passage, which option best describes the meaning of the term brace?

a pair of something
a device that steadies something
an orthopedic device that supports part of the body
an ornamental beam or framework made from wood

Answer 1

In this excerpt when the author uses the expression “a brace of workboxes” is referring to an number of boxes that are in the scene that is being described, this is a common English expression to refer to a pair of something, Jene Eyre, the author was and English writer.

Answer 2

Based upon its use in the passage, "a pair of something" best describes the meaning of the term brace.