01 n. An alloy (usually yellow) of copper and zinc, in variable proportion, but often containing two parts of copper to one part of zinc. It some…
pl.
Brasses
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1.
An alloy (usually yellow) of copper and zinc, in variable proportion, but often containing two parts of copper to one part of zinc. It sometimes contains tin, and rarely other metals.
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2.
A journal bearing, so called because frequently made of brass. A brass is often lined with a softer metal, when the latter is generally called a white metal lining. See Axle box, Journal Box, and Bearing.(Mach.) See: Axle box, Journal Box, Bearing
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3.
Coin made of copper, brass, or bronze.[Obs.]“Provide neither gold, nor silver, nor brass in your purses, nor scrip for your journey.” — Matt. x. 9.
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4.
Impudence; a brazen face.[Colloq.]
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5.
Utensils, ornaments, or other articles of brass.“The very scullion who cleans the brasses.” — Hopkinson.
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6.
A brass plate engraved with a figure or device. Specifically, one used as a memorial to the dead, and generally having the portrait, coat of arms, etc.
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7.
Lumps of pyrites or sulphuret of iron, the color of which is near to that of brass.(Mining)
Phrases & compounds
Brass band —
a band of musicians who play upon wind instruments made of brass, as trumpets, cornets, etc.
Brass foil —
brass made into very thin sheets; -- called also Dutch gold.