Breve (?), n. [It. & (in sense 2) LL. breve, fr. L. 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 is now made oval, with a line perpendicular to the staff on each of its sides; -- formerly much used for choir service.
Moore.
2. Law Any writ or precept under seal, issued out of any court.
3. Print. A curved mark [˘] used commonly to indicate the short quantity of a vowel.
4. Zool. The great ant thrush of Sumatra (Pitta gigas), which has a very short tail.
© Webster 1913. | 
