~ 1 [ brα:'vəʊ , 'brα:vəʊ ]
■ exclamation used to express approval for a performer.
■ noun ( plural ~s ) a code word representing the letter B, used in radio communication.
Origin
C18: from Fr., from Ital., lit. 'bold' (see brave ).
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~ 2 [ 'brα:vəʊ ]
■ noun ( plural ~s or ~es ) dated a thug or hired assassin.
Origin
C16: from Ital., from ~ 'bold (one)' (see brave ).