■ noun
1》 a small rectangular block of fired or sun-dried clay, used in building.
↘~s collectively as a building material.
2》 Brit. informal, dated a generous, helpful, and reliable person.
■ verb block or enclose with a wall of ~s.
Phrases
~s and mortar
1》 buildings, especially housing.
2》 [as modifier ] denoting a business that operates conventionally rather than (or as well as) via the Internet.
like a ton of ~s informal with crushing weight, force, or authority.
Origin
ME: from Mid. Low Ger., MDu. ~e , brike ; prob. reinforced by OFr. brique ; of unknown ultimate origin.