EMBRACE

em-bras': The word has two distinct meanings in the Old Testament: (1) to clasp and hold fondly in the arms, pointing to a common custom (Genesis 29:13; 33:4; 48:10; 2 Kings 4:16; Song of Solomon 2:6; 8:3; compare Acts 20:10), and (2) to have sexual intercourse (Proverbs 4:8; 5:20; Ecclesiastes 3:5). It seems to have acquired this technical sense in later Jewish usage.

From the International Standard Bible Encyclopedia
Edited by James Orr, published in 1939 by Wm. B. Eerdmans Publishing Co.