Brass

Brass

n.

pl. Brasses

  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. 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. (Mach.)
  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. 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. Lumps of pyrites or sulphuret of iron, the color of which is near to that of brass. (Mining)

Phrases & Compounds

Brass band
a band of musicians who play upon wind instruments made of brass, as trumpets, cornets, etc.
Brass foil
brass made into very thin sheets; -- called also Dutch gold.