From Latin 'brevis' (short), via Old French — the same root behind 'brevity' and 'abbreviate.'
Of short duration; using few words.
From Old French 'brief,' from Latin 'brevis' meaning 'short, low, small.' The same root gives 'brevity,' 'abbreviate,' and 'breve' (the musical notation for a short note). Key roots: brevis (Latin: "short").