briefless

American  

[breef-lis] / ˈbrif lɪs /

adjective

1. having no brief.

2. having no clients, as a lawyer.

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briefless British  

/ ˈbriːflɪs /

adjective

1. (said of a barrister) without clients

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Other Word Forms

• brieflessly adverb
• brieflessness noun

Etymology

Origin of briefless

1815–25; brief (noun) + -less

Example Sentences

After a brief and briefless stab at the law in Manhattan, his Transcript record got him a job with Edward Bok for a spirited, 18-month campaign against quack patent medicines in the Ladies' Home Journal.

From Time Magazine Archive

"All barristers are not briefless," said Mrs. Carlen.

From The Story of Charles Strange Vol. 1 (of 3) A Novel by Wood, Mrs. Henry

They were chiefly composed of briefless but brilliant young barristers, fiery journalists, and hot-headed students.

From The Canadian Portrait Gallery - Volumes 1 to 4 by Dent, John Charles

For from the little man’s snuff-taking and easy-going, idling ways, Boyd had taken him for a briefless advocate.

From The Dew of Their Youth by Crockett, S. R. (Samuel Rutherford)

I believe they thought me too fast, and Tom too much of a genius: and, therefore, both of us were left among the ranks of the briefless army of the stove.

From Blackwood's Edinburgh Magazine, Volume 62, No. 382, October 1847 by Various