Sentence:  ... she went up to him in a somewhat irresolute fashion, as if about to put out her hand; but they <WSD>embraced</WSD> instead, and stood for a moment yoked thus, absurdly relieved and delighted by the other's presence. 
Meaning of the word marked with <WSD> tags:  To clasp (someone "or" each other) in the arms with affection; to take in the arms; to hug.