brief
1. brief \'bre-f\ aj [ME bref, breve, fr. MF brief, fr. L brevis; akin to
OH]G murg short, Gk brachys 1: short in duration or extent 2a: CONCISE
2b: CURT, ABRUPT imarily to duration and may imply condensation,
conciseness, or occas. intensity; SHORT may imply sudden stoppage or
incompleteness - brief.ly av SYN syn BRIEF, SHORT mean lacking length.
BRIEF applies pr
2. brief n [ME bref, fr. MF, fr. ML brevis, fr. LL, summary, fr. L brevisX,
adj. 1: an official letter or mandate; esp : a papal letter less formal
than a bull 2: a brief written item or document : as 2a: a concise article
2b: SYNOPSIS, SUMMARY 2c: a concise statement of a client's case made out
for the instruction of counsel in a trial at law 3: an outline of an
argument; esp : a formal outline esp. in law th at sets forth the main
contentions with supporting statements or evidence 4: short snug underpants
- usu. used in pl.
3. brief vt 1: to make an abstract or abridgment of Brit 2: to retain as
legal counsel 3a: to give final precise instructions to 3b: to coach
thoroughly in advance 3c: to give essential information to