1. A synopsis of a larger document or group of documents.
2. A briefing, or the information conveyed during a briefing, which is of short duration, and quickly ending: "The chairman's brief was short and concise."
3. A short statement or account of something that is, or could be, more fully treated; an abridgement, an abstract, or a summary: "The TV reporter gave a news brief about the earth quake."
4. An outline of how a legal case will be argued, together with evidence and supporting statements, submitted by an attorney to a court before a trial in court: "The lawyer provided the court his legal brief."
5. An outline of one side of a legal case for an attorney, containing the evidence and points of law that are related to the argument of the case.

1. To give essential information to someone: "The reporters were briefed about the President's plan to run for another term."
2. To give someone all of the necessary information about something in preparation for a discussion or decision that will come later: "The President has been briefed by his economic advisers."
3. When someone briefs a person, or a group of people, he or she is providing information or instructions that are necessary for the recipient or recipients: "The captain of the ship briefed the crew about the new safety procedures."