Source : Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary (1913)

Embrace \Em*brace"\, v. t. [imp. & p. p. {Embraced}; p. pr. &
   vb. n. {Embracing}.] [OE. embracier, F. embrasser; pref. em-
   (L. in) + F. bras arm. See {Brace}, n.]
   1. To clasp in the arms with affection; to take in the arms;
      to hug.

            I will embrace him with a soldier's arm, That he
            shall shrink under my courtesy.       --Shak.

            Paul called unto him the disciples, and embraced
            them.                                 --Acts xx. 1.

   2. To cling to; to cherish; to love. --Shak.

   3. To seize eagerly, or with alacrity; to accept with
      cordiality; to welcome. ``I embrace these conditions.''
      ``You embrace the occasion.'' --Shak.

            What is there that he may not embrace for truth?
                                                  --Locke.

   4. To encircle; to encompass; to inclose.

            Low at his feet a spacious plain is placed, Between
            the mountain and the stream embraced. --Denham.

   5. To include as parts of a whole; to comprehend; to take in;
      as, natural philosophy embraces many sciences.

            Not that my song, in such a scanty space, So large a
            subject fully can embrace.            --Dryden.

Source : WordNet®

embracing
     n : the act of clasping another person in the arms (as in
         greeting or affection) [syn: {embrace}]