Breve \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.
      
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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 [[breve]] 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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