Emily Dickinson Lexicon

BREVE, n. [It. breve; L. brevis; Sp. breve; Fr. bref, short. See Brief.]

1. In music, a note or character of time, equivalent to two semibreves or four minims. When dotted, it is equal to three semibreves. [Not now used.]
2. In law, a writ directed to the chancellor, judges, sherifs or other officers, whereby a person is summoned, or attached, to answer in the king's court. – Encyc. This word, in the latter sense, is more generally written brief.