I. ˌa-lə-ˈbrev, ˌä-lə-ˈbre-(ˌ)vā noun
Etymology: Italian, literally, according to the breve
Date: circa 1740
: the sign marking a piece or passage to be played alla breve ; also : a passage so marked
II. adverb or adjective
Date: circa 1823
: in duple or quadruple time with the beat represented by the half note