All 3 Uses of
brief
in
King Lear
Uses with a very common or rare meaning:
- —In brief, sorrow Would be a rarity most belov'd, if all Could so become it.†
Scene 4.3 *
- —List a brief tale;— And when 'tis told, O that my heart would burst!†
Scene 5.2
- Quickly send,— Be brief in it,—to the castle; for my writ Is on the life of Lear and on Cordelia:— Nay, send in time.†
Scene 5.2
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).