Bridge - Brillancy

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Bridge (brĭj), v. t. [imp. & p. p. Bridged (brĭjd); p. pr. & vb. n. Bridging.] 1. To build a bridge or bridges on or over; as, to bridge a river.
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Their simple engineering bridged with felled trees the streams which could not be forded. Palfrey.
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2. To open or make a passage, as by a bridge.
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Xerxes . . . over Hellespont
Bridging his way, Europe with Asia joined. Milton.
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3. To find a way of getting over, as a difficulty; -- generally with over.
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Bridge, n. A card game resembling whist. The trump, if any, is determined by the dealer or his partner, the value of each trick taken over six being: for “no trumps” 12, hearts 8, diamonds 6, clubs 4, spades 2. The opponents of the dealer can, after the trump is declared, double the value of the tricks, in which case the dealer or his partner can redouble, and so on. The dealer plays his partner's hand as a dummy. The side which first reaches or exceeds 30 points scored for tricks wins a game; the side which first wins two games wins a rubber. The total score for any side is the sum of the points scored for tricks, for rubbers (each of which counts 100), for honors (which follow a special schedule of value), and for slam, little slam, and chicane.
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☞ For contract bridge, the scoring system has adopted different values, with 100 points required for a game. The penalties for failing to make a contract also vary with the score thus far achieved by the playing team, and with the degree, if any, of doubling during the auction.
[PJC]

bridgeable adj. capable of being connected by a bridge or as if by a bridge. unbridgeable
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Bridgeboard (�), n. 1. (Arch.) A notched board to which the treads and risers of the steps of wooden stairs are fastened.
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2. A board or plank used as a bridge.
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bridged-T n. (Electronics) a circuit consisting of a T-network with an additional arm bridging the two series arms.
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Bridgehead (�), n. A fortification commanding the extremity of a bridge nearest the enemy, to insure the preservation and usefulness of the bridge, and prevent the enemy from crossing; a tête-de-pont.
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Bridgeless, a. Having no bridge; not bridged.
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Bridgepot (�), n. (Mining) The adjustable socket, or step, of a millstone spindle. Knight.
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Bridgetree (�), n. [Bridge + tree a beam.] (Mining) The beam which supports the spindle socket of the runner in a grinding mill. Knight.
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Bridge-ward (�), n. 1. A bridge keeper; a warden or a guard for a bridge. [Obs.] Sir W. Scott.
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2. The principal ward of a key. Knight.
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Bridgeing (�), n. (Arch.) The system of bracing used between floor or other timbers to distribute the weight.
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Coloq. Bridging joist . Same as .
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Bridgey (�), a. Full of bridges. [R.] Sherwood.
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Bridle (�), n. [OE. bridel, AS. bridel; akin to OHG. britil, brittil, D. breidel, and possibly to E. braid. Cf. .] 1. The head gear with which a horse is governed and restrained, consisting of a headstall, a bit, and reins, with other appendages.
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2. A restraint; a curb; a check. I. Watts.
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3. (Gun.) The piece in the interior of a gun lock, which holds in place the tumbler, sear, etc.
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4. (Naut.) (a) A span of rope, line, or chain made fast as both ends, so that another rope, line, or chain may be attached to its middle. (b) A mooring hawser.
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Coloq. Bowline bridle . See under . -- Coloq. Branches of a bridle . See under . -- Coloq. Bridle cable (Naut.), a cable which is bent to a bridle. See 4, above. -- Coloq. Bridle hand , the hand which holds the bridle in riding; the left hand. -- Coloq. Bridle path , Coloq. Bridle way , a path or way for saddle horses and pack horses, as distinguished from a road for vehicles. -- Coloq. Bridle port (Naut.), a porthole or opening in the bow through which hawsers, mooring or bridle cables, etc., are passed. -- Coloq. Bridle rein , a rein attached to the bit. -- Coloq. Bridle road . (a) Same as Bridle path. Lowell. (b) A road in a pleasure park reserved for horseback exercise. -- Coloq. Bridle track , a bridle path. -- Coloq. Scolding bridle . See , 2.
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Syn. -- A check; restrain.
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Bridle, v. t. [imp. & p. p. Bridled (�); p. pr. & vb. n. Bridling (�).] 1. To put a bridle upon; to equip with a bridle; as, to bridle a horse.
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He bridled her mouth with a silkweed twist. Drake.
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2. To restrain, guide, or govern, with, or as with, a bridle; to check, curb, or control; as, to bridle the passions; to bridle a muse. Addison.
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Savoy and Nice, the keys of Italy, and the citadel in her hands to bridle Switzerland, are in that consolidation. Burke.
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Syn. -- To check; restrain; curb; govern; control; repress; master; subdue.
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Bridle, v. i. To hold up the head, and draw in the chin, as an expression of pride, scorn, or resentment; to assume a lofty manner; -- usually with up. “His bridling neck.” Wordsworth.
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By her bridling up I perceived she expected to be treated hereafter not as Jenny Distaff, but Mrs. Tranquillus. Tatler.
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Bridle iron (�). (Arch.) A strong flat bar of iron, so bent as to support, as in a stirrup, one end of a floor timber, etc., where no sufficient bearing can be had; -- called also stirrup and hanger.
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Bridler (�), n. One who bridles; one who restrains and governs, as with a bridle. Milton.
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Bridoon (�), n. [F. bridon, from bride; of German origin. See , n.] (Mil.) The snaffle and rein of a military bridle, which acts independently of the bit, at the pleasure of the rider. It is used in connection with a curb bit, which has its own rein. Campbell.
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Brie n. same as .

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Brie cheese (brē chēz). A kind of soft French cream cheese; -- so called from the district in France where it is made; it is milder than Camembert; -- called also fromage de Brie, Brie and brie (uncapitalized).
[Webster Suppl. + WordNet 1.5]

Brief (brēf), a. [OE. bref, F. brief, bref, fr. L. brevis; akin to Gr. brachys short, and perh. to Skr. barh to tear. Cf. .] 1. Short in duration.
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How brief the life of man. Shak.
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2. Concise; terse; succinct.
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The brief style is that which expresseth much in little. B. Jonson.
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3. Rife; common; prevalent. [Prov. Eng.]
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Coloq. In brief . See under , n.
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Syn. -- Short; concise; succinct; summary; compendious; condensed; terse; curt; transitory; short-lived.
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Brief, adv. 1. Briefly. [Obs. or Poetic]
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Adam, faltering long, thus answered brief. Milton.
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2. Soon; quickly. [Obs.] Shak.
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Brief (brēf), n. [See , a., and cf. .] 1. A short concise writing or letter; a statement in few words.
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Bear this sealed brief,
With winged hastle, to the lord marshal. Shak.
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And she told me
In a sweet, verbal brief. Shak.
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2. An epitome.
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Each woman is a brief of womankind. Overbury.
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3. (Law) An abridgment or concise statement of a client's case, made out for the instruction of counsel in a trial at law. This word is applied also to a statement of the heads or points of a law argument.
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It was not without some reference to it that I perused many a brief. Sir J. Stephen.
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☞ In England, the brief is prepared by the attorney; in the United States, counsel generally make up their own briefs.
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4. (Law) A writ; a breve. See , n., 2.
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5. (Scots Law) A writ issuing from the chancery, directed to any judge ordinary, commanding and authorizing that judge to call a jury to inquire into the case, and upon their verdict to pronounce sentence.
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6. A letter patent, from proper authority, authorizing a collection or charitable contribution of money in churches, for any public or private purpose. [Eng.]
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7. pl. a type of men's underpants without legs, fitting tightly and held by an elastic waistband; also called Jockey shorts.
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Coloq. Apostolical brief , a letter of the pope written on fine parchment in modern characters, subscribed by the secretary of briefs, dated “a die Nativitatis,” i. e., “from the day of the Nativity,” and sealed with the ring of the fisherman. It differs from a bull, in its parchment, written character, date, and seal. See . -- Coloq. Brief of title , an abstract or abridgment of all the deeds and other papers constituting the chain of title to any real estate. -- Coloq. In brief , in a few words; in short; briefly. “Open the matter in brief.” Shak.
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Brief, v. t. To make an abstract or abridgment of; to shorten; as, to brief pleadings.
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briefcase n. a small suitcase with a handle; it is used for carrying papers or files or books.
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briefing n. 1. giving detailed instructions, as for a military operation.
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2. a detailed set of instructions before an operation, given to those who are to execute it.
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3. a summary report of an operation or event after it has occurred, by a participant or observer.
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Briefless (brēflĕs), a. Having no brief; without clients; as, a briefless barrister.
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Briefly (brēfl�), adv. Concisely; in few words.
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Briefman (brēfm�n), n. 1. One who makes a brief.
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2. A copier of a manuscript.
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Briefness (brēfnĕs), n. The quality of being brief; brevity; conciseness in discourse or writing.
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{ Brier, Briar } (brīẽr), n. [OE. brere, brer, AS. brēr, brær; cf. Ir. briar prickle, thorn, brier, pin, Gael. preas bush, brier, W. prys, prysg.] 1. A plant with a slender woody stem bearing stout prickles; especially, species of Rosa, Rubus, and Smilax.
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2. Fig.: Anything sharp or unpleasant to the feelings.
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The thorns and briers of reproof. Cowper.
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Coloq. Brier root , the root of the southern Smilax laurifolia and Smilax Walteri; -- used for tobacco pipes. See also 2nd . -- Coloq. Cat brier , Coloq. Green brier , several species of Smilax (Smilax rotundifolia, etc.) -- Coloq. Sweet brier (Rosa rubiginosa). See . -- Coloq. Yellow brier , the Rosa Eglantina.
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Brier (�), n. 1. the white heath Erica arborea. RHUD.
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2. a smoking pipe made of the root of the brier{1}. Brierroot seems to have been used formerly as a term meaning root of the Smilax laurifolia and is now defined as root of the Erica arborea. Not clear when this changed. -- PJC.
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Briered (�), a. Set with briers. Chatterton.
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brierwood n. 1. wood from the hard woody root of the briar Erica arborea; it is used to make tobacco pipes. See also 2nd and brier root.
Syn. -- briarwood.
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Briery (�), a. Full of briers; thorny.
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Briery, n. A place where briers grow. Huloet.
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Brig (�), n. A bridge. [Scot.] Burns.
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Brig, n. [Shortened from .] (Naut.) A two-masted, square-rigged vessel.
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Coloq. Hermaphrodite brig , a two-masted vessel square-rigged forward and schooner-rigged aft. See Illustration in Appendix.
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Brig (?), n. [Origin unknown.] (Nav.) On a United States man-of-war, the prison or place of confinement for offenders.
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Brigade (�), n. [F. brigade, fr. It. brigata troop, crew, brigade, originally, a contending troop, fr. briga trouble, quarrel. See .] 1. (Mil.) A body of troops, whether cavalry, artillery, infantry, or mixed, consisting of two or more regiments, under the command of a brigadier general.
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☞ Two or more brigades constitute a division, commanded by a major general; two or more divisions constitute an army corps, or corps d'armée. [U.S.]
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2. Any body of persons organized for acting or marching together under authority; as, a fire brigade.
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Coloq. Brigade inspector , an officer whose duty is to inspect troops in companies before they are mustered into service. -- Coloq. Brigade major , an officer who may be attached to a brigade to assist the brigadier in his duties.
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Brigade, v. t. [imp. & p. p. Brigaded; p. pr. & vb. n. Brigading.] (Mil.) To form into a brigade, or into brigades.
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Brigadier general (�). [F. brigadier, fr. brigade.] (Mil.) An officer in rank next above a colonel, and below a major general. He commands a brigade, and is sometimes called, by a shortening of his title, simple a brigadier.
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Brigand (brĭg�nd), n. [F. brigand, OF. brigant light-armed soldier, fr. LL. brigans light-armed soldier (cf. It. brigante.) fr. brigare to strive, contend, fr. briga quarrel; prob. of German origin, and akin to E. break; cf. Goth. brikan to break, brakja strife. Cf. .] 1. A light-armed, irregular foot soldier. [Obs.]
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2. A lawless fellow who lives by plunder; one of a band of robbers; especially, one of a gang living in mountain retreats; a highwayman; a freebooter.
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Giving them not a little the air of brigands or banditti. Jeffery.
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Brigandage (-�j), n. [F. brigandage.] Life and practice of brigands; highway robbery; plunder.
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Brigandine (�), n. [F. brigandine (cf. It. brigantina), fr. OF. brigant. See .] A coast of armor for the body, consisting of scales or plates, sometimes overlapping each other, generally of metal, and sewed to linen or other material. It was worn in the Middle Ages. [Written also brigantine.] Jer. xlvi. 4.
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Then put on all thy gorgeous arms, thy helmet,
And brigandine of brass. Milton.
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Brigandish (�), a. Like a brigand or freebooter; robberlike.
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Brigandism (�), n. Brigandage.
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Brigantine (�), n. [F. brigantin, fr. It. brigantino, originally, a practical vessel. See , and cf. ] 1. A practical vessel. [Obs.]
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2. A two-masted, square-rigged vessel, differing from a brig in that she does not carry a square mainsail.
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3. See .
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Brigge (�), n. A bridge. [Obs.] Chaucer.
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Bright (�), v. i. See , v. i.
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Bright (�), a. [OE. briht, AS. beorht, briht; akin to OS. berht, OHG. beraht, Icel. bjartr, Goth. baírhts. √94.] 1. Radiating or reflecting light; shedding or having much light; shining; luminous; not dark.
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The sun was bright o'erhead. Longfellow.
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The earth was dark, but the heavens were bright. Drake.
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The public places were as bright as at noonday. Macaulay.
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2. Transmitting light; clear; transparent.
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From the brightest wines
He 'd turn abhorrent. Thomson.
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3. Having qualities that render conspicuous or attractive, or that affect the mind as light does the eye; resplendent with charms; as, bright beauty.
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Bright as an angel new-dropped from the sky. Parnell.
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4. Having a clear, quick intellect; intelligent.
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5. Sparkling with wit; lively; vivacious; shedding cheerfulness and joy around; cheerful; cheery.
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Be bright and jovial among your guests. Shak.
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6. Illustrious; glorious.
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In the brightest annals of a female reign. Cotton.
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7. Manifest to the mind, as light is to the eyes; clear; evident; plain.
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That he may with more ease, with brighter evidence, and with surer success, draw the bearner on. I. Watts.
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8. Of brilliant color; of lively hue or appearance.
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Here the bright crocus and blue violet grew. Pope.
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☞ Bright is used in composition in the sense of brilliant, clear, sunny, etc.; as, bright-eyed, bright-haired, bright-hued.
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Coloq. bright side the positive or favorable aspects of a situation. -- Coloq. to look on the bright side to focus the attention on favorable aspects of a situation; to minimize attention to possible negative or unfavorable factors in a situation.
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Syn. -- Shining; splending; luminous; lustrous; brilliant; resplendent; effulgent; refulgent; radiant; sparkling; glittering; lucid; beamy; clear; transparent; illustrious; witty; clear; vivacious; sunny.
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Bright, n. Splendor; brightness. [Poetic]
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Dark with excessive bright thy skirts appear. Milton.
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Bright, adv. Brightly. Chaucer.
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I say it is the moon that shines so bright. Shak.
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Brighten, v. t. [imp. & p. p. Brightened (�); p. pr. & vb. n. Brightening.] [From , a.] 1. To make bright or brighter; to make to shine; to increase the luster of; to give a brighter hue to.
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2. To make illustrious, or more distinguished; to add luster or splendor to.
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The present queen would brighten her character, if she would exert her authority to instill virtues into her people. Swift.
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3. To improve or relieve by dispelling gloom or removing that which obscures and darkens; to shed light upon; to make cheerful; as, to brighten one's prospects.
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An ecstasy, which mothers only feel,
Plays round my heart and brightens all my sorrow. Philips.
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4. To make acute or witty; to enliven. Johnson.
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Brighten, v. i. [AS. beorhtan.] To grow bright, or more bright; to become less dark or gloomy; to clear up; to become bright or cheerful.
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And night shall brighten into day. N. Cotton.
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And, all his prospects brightening to the last,
His heaven commences ere world be past. Goldsmith.
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Bright-harnessed (�), a. Having glittering armor. [Poetic] Milton.
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Brightly, adv. 1. Brilliantly; splendidly; with luster; as, brightly shining armor.
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2. With lively intelligence; intelligently.
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Looking brightly into the mother's face. Hawthorne.
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Brightness, n. [AS. beorhines. See .] 1. The quality or state of being bright; splendor; luster; brilliancy; clearness.
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A sudden brightness in his face appear. Crabbe.
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2. Acuteness (of the faculties); sharpness 9wit.
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The brightness of his parts . . . distinguished him. Prior.
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Syn. -- Splendor; luster; radiance; resplendence; brilliancy; effulgence; glory; clearness.
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Bright's disease (�). [From Dr. Bright of London, who first described it.] (Med.) An affection of the kidneys, usually inflammatory in character, and distinguished by the occurrence of albumin and renal casts in the urine. Several varieties of Bright's disease are now recognized, differing in the part of the kidney involved, and in the intensity and course of the morbid process.
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Brightsome (�), a. Bright; clear; luminous; brilliant. [R.] Marlowe.
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Brigose (�), a. [LL. brigosus, It. brigoso. See , n.] Contentious; quarrelsome. [Obs.] Puller.
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Brigue (�), n. [F. brigue, fr. LL. briga quarrel. See .] A cabal, intrigue, faction, contention, strife, or quarrel. [Obs.] Chesterfield.
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Brigue, v. i. [F. briguer. See , n.] To contend for; to canvass; to solicit. [Obs.] Bp. Hurd.
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Brike (�), n. [AS. brice.] A breach; ruin; downfall; peril. [Obs.] Chaucer.
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Brill (�), n. [Cf. Corn. brilli mackerel, fr. brith streaked, speckled.] (Zoöl.) A fish allied to the turbot (Rhombus levis), much esteemed in England for food; -- called also bret, pearl, prill. See .
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Brillante (�), adv. [It. See , a.] (Mus.) In a gay, showy, and sparkling style.
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Brillance (�), n. Brilliancy. Tennyson.
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Brillancy (�), n. [See .] The quality of being brilliant; splendor; glitter; great brightness, whether in a literal or figurative sense.
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With many readers brilliancy of style passes for affluence of thought. Longfellow.
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