adjective

1. of short duration or extent
2. short in length
3. using relatively few words; concise
4. curt or abrupt

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

noun

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

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

transitive verb

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