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Definition of brief
(Entry 1 of 3)
brief
nounDefinition of brief (Entry 2 of 3)
1a : an official letter or mandate (see mandate entry 1 sense 1) especially, Roman Catholicism : a papal letter less formal than a bull
b : a specific instruction or responsibility
his brief was to strengthen the army
2a : a concise article (as in a newspaper)
a news brief
c law : a concise statement of a client's case made out for the instruction of an attorney usually by a law clerk
3 : an outline of an argument especially, law : a formal written presentation of an argument that sets forth the main points with supporting precedents and evidence a legal brief filed a brief
in brief
: in a few words : briefly today's news in brief
brief
verbbriefed; briefing; briefs
Definition of brief (Entry 3 of 3)
1 : to make an abstract or abridgment of
brief a report summarized northeastern Siberian archaeology and has briefed many normally unavailable sources— Wendell Oswalt
2a : to give final precise instructions to
were briefed before their mission
b : to coach thoroughly in advance
c : to give essential information to
The president is being briefed by his advisors.
3 : to discuss (something, such as a military operation) in a briefing briefed the mission
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Time Traveler for brief
The first known use of brief was in the 14th century
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