brief: Meaning and Definition of

brief

1. lasting or taking a short time; of short duration: a brief walk; a brief stay in the country.
2. using few words; concise; succinct: a brief report on weather conditions.
3. abrupt or curt.
4. scanty: a brief bathing suit.

1. a short and concise statement or written item.
2. an outline, the form of which is determined by set rules, of all the possible arguments and information on one side of a controversy: a debater's brief.
1. a writ summoning one to answer to any action.
2. a memorandum of points of fact or of law for use in conducting a case.
3. a written argument submitted to a court.
4. (in England) the material relevant to a case, delivered by a solicitor to the barrister who tries the case.
4. an outline, summary, or synopsis, as of a book.
5. close-fitting, legless underpants with an elastic waistband.
6. briefing.
7. a papal letter less formal than a bull, sealed with the pope's signet ring or stamped with the device borne on this ring.
8. a free ticket; pass.
9. a letter.
10. to support or defend by argument; endorse.
11. in a few words; in short: The supervisor outlined in brief the duties of the new assistant.

1. to make an abstract or summary of.
2. to instruct by a brief or briefing: They brief all the agents before assigning them.
3. to retain as advocate in a suit.