Brig: meaning, definitions and examples

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brig

 

[ brษชg ]

Noun
Context #1 | Noun

nautical term

A brig is a type of sailing vessel that has two square rigged masts. It was commonly used in the 18th and early 19th centuries for both commercial and naval purposes. Brigs were known for their speed and maneuverability, making them ideal for various maritime tasks.

Synonyms

sailing ship, two-masted vessel

Examples of usage

  • The brig sailed swiftly across the open sea.
  • Many naval engagements during the age of sail involved brigs.
  • The captain proudly commanded his brig in the regatta.
Context #2 | Noun

jail

In military slang, a 'brig' refers to a military prison. It is a facility used for the confinement of personnel accused of committing offenses against military law. Being sent to the brig is often considered a serious punishment.

Synonyms

guardhouse, military prison

Examples of usage

  • He was caught breaking curfew and spent the night in the brig.
  • The brig holds those who disobey the chain of command.
  • After the investigation, several soldiers were sent to the brig.

Translations

Translations of the word "brig" in other languages:

๐Ÿ‡ต๐Ÿ‡น brigue

๐Ÿ‡ฎ๐Ÿ‡ณ เคฌเฅเคฐเคฟเค—

๐Ÿ‡ฉ๐Ÿ‡ช Brigg

๐Ÿ‡ฎ๐Ÿ‡ฉ brig

๐Ÿ‡บ๐Ÿ‡ฆ ะฑั€ะธะณ

๐Ÿ‡ต๐Ÿ‡ฑ bryg

๐Ÿ‡ฏ๐Ÿ‡ต ใƒ–ใƒชใƒƒใ‚ฐ

๐Ÿ‡ซ๐Ÿ‡ท brig

๐Ÿ‡ช๐Ÿ‡ธ bric

๐Ÿ‡น๐Ÿ‡ท brig

๐Ÿ‡ฐ๐Ÿ‡ท ๋ธŒ๋ฆฌ๊ทธ

๐Ÿ‡ธ๐Ÿ‡ฆ ุจุฑูŠูƒ

๐Ÿ‡จ๐Ÿ‡ฟ briga

๐Ÿ‡ธ๐Ÿ‡ฐ briga

๐Ÿ‡จ๐Ÿ‡ณ brig

๐Ÿ‡ธ๐Ÿ‡ฎ brig

๐Ÿ‡ฎ๐Ÿ‡ธ brig

๐Ÿ‡ฐ๐Ÿ‡ฟ ะฑั€ะธะณ

๐Ÿ‡ฌ๐Ÿ‡ช แƒ‘แƒ แƒ˜แƒ’แƒ˜

๐Ÿ‡ฆ๐Ÿ‡ฟ brig

๐Ÿ‡ฒ๐Ÿ‡ฝ brig

Etymology

The word 'brig' originates from the French word 'brigant', which itself derives from the Italian 'brigantino'. This term referred to a small ship, specifically a type of two-masted vessel which became popular in the 17th century. The design of brigs made them adaptable for naval warfare and trade. The usage of 'brig' to denote a military prison emerged in the 19th century, likely stemming from the association of confinement and the naval tradition of the term. Over time, the dual meanings of the word have persisted, representing both a class of sailing vessels and a facility for detaining military personnel.

Word Frequency Rank

With rank #15,395, this word belongs to specialized vocabulary. While not common in everyday speech, it enriches your ability to express complex ideas.