/brig/ , n.
1. Naut.
a. a two-masted vessel square-rigged on both masts.
b. (formerly, in the U.S. Navy) an armed brig-rigged or brigantine-rigged vessel.
c. the compartment of a ship where prisoners are confined.
2. a place of confinement or detention, esp. in the U.S. Navy or Marines; guardhouse.
[ 1705-15; short for BRIGANTINE ]