1.A short concise writing or letter; a statement in few words. "Bear this sealed brief, With winged hastle, to the lord marshal." "And she told me In a sweet, verbal brief."
2.An epitome. "Each woman is a brief of womankind."
3.(Law) An abridgment or concise statement of a client's case, made out for the instruction of counsel in a trial at law. This word is applied also to a statement of the heads or points of a law argument. "It was not without some reference to it that I perused many a brief." Note: In England, the brief is prepared by the attorney; in the United States, counsel generally make up their own briefs.
5.(Scots Law) A writ issuing from the chancery, directed to any judge ordinary, commanding and authorizing that judge to call a jury to inquire into the case, and upon their verdict to pronounce sentence.
6.A letter patent, from proper authority, authorizing a collection or charitable contribution of money in churches, for any public or private purpose. (Eng.)
7.pl. A type of men's underpants without legs, fitting tightly and held by an elastic waistband; also called Jockey shorts.
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