Source : Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary (1913)

Bracket \Brack"et\, n. [Cf.OF. braguette codpiece, F. brayette,
   Sp. bragueta, also a projecting mold in architecture; dim.
   fr.L. bracae breeches; cf. also, OF. bracon beam, prop,
   support; of unknown origin. Cf. {Breeches}.]
   1. (Arch.) 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.

   Note: This is the more general word. See {Brace},
         {Cantalever}, {Console}, {Corbel}, {Strut}.

   2. (Engin. & Mech.) 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.

   3. (Naut.) A shot, crooked timber, resembling a knee, used as
      a support.

   4. (Mil.) The cheek or side of an ordnance carriage.

   5. (Print.) 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}.

   6. A gas fixture or lamp holder projecting from the face of a
      wall, column, or the like.

   {Bracket light}, a gas fixture or a lamp attached to a wall,
      column, etc.