I. ˈbrēf adjective
Etymology: Middle English bref, breve, from Anglo-French bref, brief, from Latin brevis; akin to Old High German murg short, Greek brachys
Date: 14th century
1. : short in duration, extent, or length
2.
a. : concise
b. : curt , abrupt
• brief·ness noun
II. noun
Etymology: Middle English bref, from Anglo-French, from Medieval Latin brevis, from Late Latin, summary, from Latin brevis, adjective
Date: 14th century
1.
a. : an official letter or mandate ; especially : a papal letter less formal than a bull
b. : a specific instruction or responsibility
his brief was to strengthen the army
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 ; especially : a formal outline especially in law that sets forth the main contentions with supporting statements or evidence
4. plural : short snug pants or underpants
•
- in brief
III. transitive verb
Date: 15th century
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
3. : to discuss (as a military operation) in a briefing
brief ed the mission
• brief·er noun