D defs.my
Entry 4 senses Webster, 1913

Breve

/(brēv)/ · IPA /bɹiːv/
01 n. 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 …
  1. 1.
    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.(Mus.)
  2. 2.
    Any writ or precept under seal, issued out of any court.(Law)
  3. 3.
    A curved mark [˘] used commonly to indicate the short quantity of a vowel.(Print.)
  4. 4.
    The great ant thrush of Sumatra (Pitta gigas), which has a very short tail.(Zool.)