brasses Definition

brass
noun brasses (plural), brass (when treated as plural in collective senses 3 and 6)

1. An alloy of copper and zinc, which is strong and ductile, resistant to corrosion, and suitable for casting, used to make electrical fittings, screws, buttons, buckles, etc.
2. An ornament, tool or other object made of brass, or such objects collectively. See also brazier².

Example: polish the brass once a month
3a. Wind instruments made of brass, such as the trumpet and horn;
3b. The people who play brass instruments in an orchestra.
4. A piece of flat brass with a figure, design or name, etc on it, usually found in a church, in memory of someone who has died.
5. A small flat brass ornament with a design on it, for a horse's harness.

Form: horse brass (also)
6. colloq
People in authority or of high military rank collectively. See also brass hat.
Thesaurus: officers, executives, managers, higher-ups (slang).
Form: top brass (usually)
Form: the brass
7. colloq
Over-confidence or effrontery; nerve.
Example: had the brass neck to send me the bill
Thesaurus: impudence, impertinence, audacity, effrontery, gall (slang), nerve (slang); insolence, temerity; Antonym: circumspection, timidity.
Form: the brass (especially)
Form: the brass neck
(especially N Eng)
8. colloq
Money; cash.

adj

1. Made of brass.

Derivative: brassy

See separate entry.

Idiom: brassed off

(rit)
slang
Fed up; annoyed.

Etymology: Anglo-Saxon bræs.

Phrasal Verb: brass someone off

To make them annoyed or fed up.
Example: He brasses me off