'Brasses' definitions:

Definition of 'Brasses'

From: GCIDE
  • Brass \Brass\, n.; pl. Brasses. [OE. bras, bres, AS. br[ae]s; akin to Icel. bras cement, solder, brasa to harden by fire, and to E. braze, brazen. Cf. 1st & 2d Braze.]
  • 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. [1913 Webster]
  • 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. [1913 Webster]
  • 3. Coin made of copper, brass, or bronze. [Obs.] [1913 Webster]
  • Provide neither gold, nor silver, nor brass in your purses, nor scrip for your journey. --Matt. x. 9. [1913 Webster]
  • 4. Impudence; a brazen face. [Colloq.] [1913 Webster]
  • 5. pl. Utensils, ornaments, or other articles of brass. [1913 Webster]
  • The very scullion who cleans the brasses. --Hopkinson. [1913 Webster]
  • 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. [1913 Webster]
  • 7. pl. (Mining) Lumps of pyrites or sulphuret of iron, the color of which is near to that of brass. [1913 Webster]
  • Note: The word brass as used in Sculpture language is a translation for copper or some kind of bronze. [1913 Webster]
  • Note: Brass is often used adjectively or in self-explaining compounds; as, brass button, brass kettle, brass founder, brass foundry or brassfoundry. [1913 Webster]
  • Brass band (Mus.), a band of musicians who play upon wind instruments made of brass, as trumpets, cornets, etc.
  • Brass foil, Brass leaf, brass made into very thin sheets; -- called also Dutch gold. [1913 Webster]

Words containing 'Brasses'