to swell; to bulge out.-to walk with a lofty, proud gait, and erect head; to walk with affected dignity.-the act of strutting; a pompous step or walk.-in general, any piece of a frame which resists thrust or pressure in the direction of its own length. see brace, and illust. of frame, and roof.-any part of a machine or structure, of which the principal function is to hold things apart; a brace subjected to compressive stress; -- the opposite of stay, and tie.-to hold apart.  cf. strut, n., 3.-protuberant.