The most common and most likely answer to this crossword clue is the 8 letter word STEELING
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Buddy explains!

The straight part
We know that "bracing" is the straight/definition part of the clue. The straight part is often a synonym or definition, in this case bracing = steeling.The cryptic/wordplay part
In cryptic crossword there's often an wordplay/cryptic part as well.This part involves a more complex hint, such as an anagram, homophone, hidden word, etc.
Sadly, We don't have an explanation for this specific crossword clue yet.
What does STEELING mean?
STEELING verb- To edge, cover, or point with steel.
- To harden or strengthen; to nerve or make obdurate; to fortify against.
- (of mirrors) To back with steel.
- To treat a liquid with steel for medicinal purposes.
- To press with a flat iron.
- To cause to resemble steel in appearance.
- To steelify; to turn iron into steel.
- To electroplate an item, particularly an engraving plate, with a layer of iron.
- To sharpen with a honing steel.
- A strengthening with, or as if with, steel.