lasting or taking a short time; of short duration

a brief walk; a brief stay in the country.

using few words; concise; succinct

a brief report on weather conditions.

abrupt or curt.

scanty

a brief bathing suit.

a short and concise statement or written item.

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.

Law .

a writ summoning one to answer to any action.

a memorandum of points of fact or of law for use in conducting a case.

a written argument submitted to a court.

(in England) the material relevant to a case, delivered by a solicitor to the barrister who tries the case.

an outline, summary, or synopsis, as of a book.

briefs, ( used with a plural verb ) close-fitting, legless underpants with an elastic waistband.

briefing.

Roman Catholic Church . a papal letter less formal than a bull, sealed with the pope's signet ring or stamped with the device borne on this ring.

British Theater . a free ticket; pass.

Obsolete . a letter.

to make an abstract or summary of.

to instruct by a brief or briefing

They brief all the agents before assigning them.

Law . to retain as advocate in a suit. ?

hold a brief for

to support or defend by argument; endorse.

in brief

in a few words; in short

The supervisor outlined in brief the duties of the new assistant.