adj., n., & v.
--adj.
1. of short duration.
2 concise in expression.
3 abrupt, brusque (was rather brief with me).
4 scanty; lacking in substance (wearing a brief skirt).
--n.
1. (in pl.) a women's brief pants. b men's brief underpants.
2 Law a a summary of the facts and legal points of a case drawn up for counsel. b a piece of work for a barrister.
3 instructions given for a task, operation, etc. (orig. a bombing plan given to an aircrew).
4 RC Ch. a letter from the Pope to a person or community on a matter of discipline.
--v.tr.
1. Brit. Law instruct (a barrister) by brief.
2 instruct (an employee, a participant, etc.) in preparation for a task; inform or instruct thoroughly in advance (briefed him for the interview) (cf. DEBRIEF).
Phrases and idioms:
be brief use few words. hold a brief for
1. argue in favour of.
2 be retained as counsel for. in brief in short.
watching brief
1. a brief held by a barrister following a case for a client not directly involved.
2 a state of interest maintained in a proceeding not directly or immediately concerning one.
Derivatives:
briefly adv. briefness n.
Etymology: ME f. AF bref, OF brief, f. L brevis short