brief

1. brief (adj) — sense 1

Definition: Of short duration; happening quickly.

Example: Her reign was brief but spectacular.

2. brief (adj) — sense 2

Definition: Concise; taking few words.

Example: His speech of acceptance was brief but moving.

3. brief (adj) — sense 3

Definition: Occupying a small distance, area or spatial extent; short.

Example: On the beach he always wore a straw hat with a red band and a brief pair of leopard print trunks.

4. brief (noun) — sense 4

Definition: A writ summoning one to answer; an official letter or mandate.

5. brief (noun) — sense 5

Definition: A writ summoning one to answer; an official letter or mandate.: A short papal letter.

Example: It was in vain that the bishop published a new papal brief, declaring valid the excommunications which he had issued, and those of the inquisitors to be null, and requiring them to seek absolution from him.

6. brief (noun) — sense 6

Definition: An answer to any action.

Example: A written answer or any other brief shall be submitted to the court while allowing a period necessary for the opponent to make preparations with regard to the matters stated therein.

7. brief (verb) — sense 7

Definition: To summarize a recent development to some person with decision-making power.

Example: The U.S. president was briefed on the military coup and its implications on African stability.

8. brief (verb) — sense 8

Definition: To write a legal argument and submit it to a court.

9. brief (adv) — sense 9

Definition: Briefly.

Example: Whence Adam faultring long, thus anſwer’d brief.

10. brief (adv) — sense 10

Definition: Soon; quickly.

Example: But that a ioy paſt ioy, calls out on me, / It were a griefe, to briefe to part with thee : / Farewell.