\Breve\ (br[=e]v), 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 [[breve]] used commonly to indicate
   the short quantity of a vowel.
4. (Zo["o]l.) The great ant thrush of Sumatra ({Pitta
   gigas}), which has a very short tail.