Succinct; concise: a brief account of the incident.
Curt; abrupt.
n.
A short, succinct statement.
A condensation or an abstract of a larger document or series of documents.
Law
A formal outline listing main contentions along with supporting evidence and documentation.
A document containing all the facts and points of law pertinent to a specific case, filed by an attorney before arguing the case in court.
Roman Catholic Church A papal letter that is not as formal as a bull.
A briefing.
briefs Short, tight-fitting underpants.
tr.v.
briefed, brief·ing, briefs
To summarize.
To give instructions or preparatory information to: briefed the astronauts before the mission.
[Middle English bref, from Old French, from Latin brevis. N., Middle English bref, written communication, from Old French, from Medieval Latin breve, from Latin, neuter of brevis, short; see mregh-u- in Indo-European roots.] brief'er n., brief'ly adv., brief'ness n.