Both Uses of
brief
in
Hard Times
Uses with a very common or rare meaning:
- Here, a brief press and confusion near the stage, ended in the man himself standing at the orator's side before the concourse.†
Chpt 2.4
- With a brief speech, and a scowl at his sister, he left the house.†
Chpt 3.4 *
Definition:
-
(meaning too common or rare to warrant focus) Brief is most commonly encountered as an adjective meaning "of short duration." Other meanings derive from the idea of short--as when making a long story short by summarizing it, or when wearing briefs (underwear).