noun pl. brasses brass′es

1. a yellowish metal that is essentially an alloy of copper and zinc
2. things made of brass, as fittings, ornaments, or implements
3. the brass instruments of an orchestra, band, etc., or the players of these instruments
4. a brass memorial tablet
5. Informal bold impudence; effrontery
6. ☆ Slang
   1. military officers of high rank
   2. any high officials, executives, etc.
7. Machinery the lining or bushing of a bearing

Etymology: ME bras < OE bræs, brass, bronze

adjective

1. made of or containing brass
2. designating a wind instrument, as a horn, trombone, trumpet, or tuba, made of a coiled metal tube and having a usually cup-shaped mouthpiece
3. composed of or for such an instrument or instruments a brass choir

transitive verb