%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: &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. [ 1913 Webster ]

2. (Law) Any writ or precept under seal, issued out of any court. [ 1913 Webster ]

3. (Print.) A curved mark [ ˘ ] used commonly to indicate the short quantity of a vowel. [ 1913 Webster ]

4. (Zool.) The great ant thrush of Sumatra (Pitta gigas), which has a very short tail. [ 1913 Webster ]

n. [ F. brevet, LL. brevetum, fr. L. brevis short. See Brief. ] 1. A warrant from the government, granting a privilege, title, or dignity. [ French usage ]. [ 1913 Webster ]

2. (Mil.) A commission giving an officer higher rank than that for which he receives pay; an honorary promotion of an officer. [ 1913 Webster ]

☞ In the United States army, rank by brevet is conferred, by and with the advice and consent of the Senate, for “gallant actions or meritorious services.” A brevet rank gives no right of command in the particular corps to which the officer brevetted belongs, and can be exercised only by special assignment of the President, or on court martial, and detachments composed of different corps, with pay of the brevet rank when on such duty. [ 1913 Webster ]

v. t. [ imp. & p. p. Brevetted p. pr. & vb. n. Brevetting. ] (Mil.) To confer rank upon by brevet. [ 1913 Webster ]

a. (Mil.) Taking or conferring rank by brevet; as, a brevet colonel; a brevet commission. [ 1913 Webster ]

n.; pl. Brevetcies (Mil.) The rank or condition of a brevet officer. [ 1913 Webster ]