brief

A writ summoning one to answer to any action.

An answer to any action.

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

(by extension) A position of interest or advocacy.

An attorney's legal argument in written form for submission to a court.

(English law) The material relevant to a case, delivered by a solicitor to the barrister who tries the case.

A short news story or report.

“We got a news brief.”

(usually in the plural) undershorts briefs.

“I wear boxers under trousers but for sports I usually wear a brief.”

A summary, précis or epitome; an abridgement or abstract.

A letter patent, from proper authority, authorizing a collection or charitable contribution of money in churches, for any public or private purpose.

(slang) A ticket of any type.

To summarize a recent development to some person with decision-making power.

“The U.S. president was briefed on the military coup and its implications on African stability.”

To write a legal argument and submit it to a court.

Of short duration; happening quickly.

“Her reign was brief but spectacular.”

Concise; taking few words.

“His speech of acceptance was brief but moving.”

Occupying a small distance, area or spatial extent; short.

“Her skirt was extremely brief but doubtless cool.”

Rife; common; prevalent.

Briefly.

Soon; quickly.