- of short duration or extent
- short in length
- using relatively few words; concise
- curt or abrupt
Origin of brief
Middle English from Old French bref from Classical Latin brevis from Indo-European base an unverified form mre?hu-, short from source merry, Classical Greek brachys- 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 fig.
- R.C.Ch. a papal letter less formal than a bull
- [pl.]
- closefitting, legless undershorts
- women's panties that cover the body from the waist to the leg
Origin of brief
ME bref < OFr < LL breve < L, neut. of brevis: see briefadjective- to make a summary of
- to supply with all the pertinent instructions or information: to brief pilots before a flight
- Brit.
- to furnish with a legal brief
- to hire as counsel
brief Idioms
hold a brief for
to argue for or be in favor of
in brief
in short; in a few words
