brass Meaning, Definition & Usage

  1. noun an alloy of copper and zinc
  2. noun a wind instrument that consists of a brass tube (usually of variable length) that is blown by means of a cup-shaped or funnel-shaped mouthpiece
    brass instrument.
  3. noun the persons (or committees or departments etc.) who make up a body for the purpose of administering something
    governing body; organisation; administration; governance; organization; establishment.
    • he claims that the present administration is corrupt
    • the governance of an association is responsible to its members
    • he quickly became recognized as a member of the establishment
  4. noun impudent aggressiveness
    nerve; cheek; boldness; face.
    • I couldn't believe her boldness
    • he had the effrontery to question my honesty
  5. noun an ornament or utensil made of brass
  6. noun the section of a band or orchestra that plays brass instruments
    brass section.
  7. noun a memorial made of brass
    plaque; memorial tablet.

WordNet

Brass noun
Etymology
OE. bras, bres, AS. bræs; akin to Icel. bras cement, solder, brasa to harden by fire, and to E. braze, brazen. Cf. 1st & 2d Braze.
Wordforms
plural Brasses
Definitions
  1. An alloy (usually yellow) of copper and zinc, in variable proportion, but often containing two parts of copper to one part of zinc. It sometimes contains tin, and rarely other metals.
  2. (Mach.) A journal bearing, so called because frequently made of brass. A brass is often lined with a softer metal, when the latter is generally called a white metal lining. See Axle box, Journal Box, and Bearing.
  3. Coin made of copper, brass, or bronze. Obs.
    Provide neither gold, nor silver, nor brass in your purses, nor scrip for your journey. Matt. x. 9.
  4. Impudence; a brazen face. Colloq.
  5. pl. Utensils, ornaments, or other articles of brass.
    The very scullion who cleans the brasses. Hopkinson.
  6. A brass plate engraved with a figure or device. Specifically, one used as a memorial to the dead, and generally having the portrait, coat of arms, etc.
  7. pl. (Mining) Lumps of pyrites or sulphuret of iron, the color of which is near to that of brass. ✍ The word brass as used in Sculpture language is a translation for copper or some kind of bronze. ✍ Brass is often used adjectively or in self-explaining compounds; as, brass button, brass kettle, brass founder, brass foundry or brassfoundry.

Webster 1913