| brackets {}[]()«»< > |
| Definition: Brackets are pairs of marks that are used to enclose words. |
| Example:
Some types of brackets are: (1) round brackets (aka parentheses) ( ) (2) square brackets (aka crochets) [ ] (3) curly brackets (aka braces) { } (4) guillemets (aka chevrons) « » (5) angle brackets < > |
| Etymology: The word probably derives from the Middle French braguette, codpiece armor (the diminutive of braque, knee pants). |
| Oxford English Dictionary: The first citation of the word in its punctuation sense is from 1750 (so named because they resembled paired carpentry supports): "[ ] Brackets or Crochets, generally include a Word or Sentence, explanatory of what went before." (G. Fisher Instructor (ed. 10), 23) |