GNU Collaborative International Dictionary of English

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  1.       
    
    Breve , 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.

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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. (Zool.) The great ant thrush of Sumatra (Pitta gigas), which has a very short tail.
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