brief

The definition of brief is short in length or lasting for only a short time.

(adjective)

An example of brief is a one page paper.

A brief is defined as a short written or spoken statement or a statement of the main points of a legal case.

(noun)

An example of brief is a five minute news segment covering a short announcement by the president.
An example of brief is a paper that explains why a person is guilty of a crime.

See brief in Webster's New World College Dictionary

adjective

Origin: ME < OFr bref < L brevis < IE base *mreĝhu-, short > merry, Gr brachys

noun

a summary or abstract
a concise statement of the main points of a law case, usually filed by counsel for the information of the court
Chiefly Brit. a set of instructions for the participants in some project, investigation, etc., indicating the scope of their responsibilities: often used figuratively
R.C.Ch. a papal letter less formal than a bull
1. closefitting, legless undershorts
2. women's panties that cover the body from the waist to the leg

Origin: ME bref < OFr < LL breve < L, neut. of brevis: see brief

transitive verb

to make a summary of
to supply with all the pertinent instructions or information: to brief pilots before a flight
Brit.
1. to furnish with a legal brief
2. to hire as counsel

Related Forms:

See brief in American Heritage Dictionary 4

adjective brief·er, brief·est

noun

A short, succinct statement.
A condensation or an abstract of a larger document or series of documents.
Law
a. A formal outline listing main contentions along with supporting evidence and documentation.
b. A document containing all the facts and points of law pertinent to a specific case, filed by an attorney before arguing the case in court.
Roman Catholic Church A papal letter that is not as formal as a bull.
A briefing.
briefs Short, tight-fitting underpants.