[brief] adj [ME bref, breve, fr. MF brief, fr. L brevis; akin to OHG murg short, Gk brachys] (14c) 1: short in duration, extent, or length
2. a: concise b: curt, abrupt -- brief.ness n
[2]brief n [ME bref, fr. MF, fr. ML brevis, fr. LL, summary, fr. L brevis, adj.] (14c) 1: an official letter or mandate; esp: a papal letter less formal than a bull
2. a: a concise article b: synopsis, summary c: 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 that sets forth the main contentions with supporting statements or evidence
4. pl: short snug pants or underpants -- in brief : in a few words: briefly [3]brief vt (15c) 1: to make an abstract or abridgment of
2. a: to give final precise instructions to b: to coach thoroughly in advance c: to give essential information to -- brief.er n