to splice the main brace

from The Collaborative International Dictionary of English v.0.48
Splice \Splice\ (spl[imac]s), v. t. [imp. & p. p. {Spliced}
   (spl[imac]st); p. pr. & vb. n. {Splicing}.] [D. splitsen,
   splitten; akin to G. splissen, Sw. splissa, Dan. splisse, and
   E. split; -- from the dividing or splitting the ends into
   separate strands. See {Split}, v. t.]
   1. To unite, as two ropes, or parts of a rope, by a
      particular manner of interweaving the strands, -- the
      union being between two ends, or between an end and the
      body of a rope.
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   2. To unite, as spars, timbers, rails, etc., by lapping the
      two ends together, or by applying a piece which laps upon
      the two ends, and then binding, or in any way making fast.
      [1913 Webster]

   3. To unite in marriage. [Slang]
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   {Splice grafting}.ee under {Grafting}.

   {To splice the main brace} (Naut.), to give out, or drink, an
      extra allowance of spirits on occasion of special exposure
      to wet or cold, or to severe fatigue; hence, to take a
      dram.
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