pitta gigas

1 definition found

pitta gigas - Collaborative International Dictionary of English v.0.48 :

  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.
        [1913 Webster]
  
     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.
        [1913 Webster]