[brass] n [ME bras, fr. OE braes; akin to MLG bras metal] (bef. 12c) 1: an alloy consisting essentially of copper and zinc in variable proportions
2. a: the brass instruments of an orchestra or band--often used in pl. b: a usu. brass memorial tablet c: bright metal fittings, utensils, or ornaments d: empty cartridge shells
3: brazen self-assurance: gall
4. sing or pl in constr a: high-ranking members of the military b: persons in high positions (as in a business or the government) -- brass adj