Breve (brēv), 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: &unr_; ), but is now made oval, with a line perpendicular to the staff on each of its sides; -- formerly much used for choir service. Moore.
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2. (Law) Any writ or precept under seal, issued out of any court.
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3. (Print.) A curved mark [˘] used commonly to indicate the short quantity of a vowel.
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4. (Zoöl.) The great ant thrush of Sumatra (Pitta gigas), which has a very short tail.
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