Brēve, n.

n. [It. & L. Lat. breve, from Lat. brevis, short. See BRIEF.]

1. (Mus.) A note or character of time, equivalent to two semibreves or four minims. When dotted, it is equal to three semibreves. It was formerly of a square figure, as thus ☐, but now made oval, with a line perpendicular to the staff on each of its sides; formerly much used for choir service. Moore.
2. (Law.) A writ in which the cause of action is briefly stated, by which a person is summoned or attached to answer to an action, complaint, &c., or whereby any thing is commanded to be done in the king’s courts, &c.;—usually written brief. Tomlins.
3. (Print.) A curved mark [˘] used to indicate the short quantity of a vowel, or some particular quality of its sound.