brig

¹ American  

[brig] / brɪg /

noun

1. Nautical.

   1. a two-masted vessel square-rigged on both masts.

   2. (formerly, in the U.S. Navy) an armed brig-rigged or brigantine-rigged vessel.

   3. the compartment of a ship where prisoners are confined.

2. a place of confinement or detention, especially in the U.S. Navy or Marines; guardhouse.

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Brig. ² American  

abbreviation

1. brigade.

2. brigadier.

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brig ¹ British  

/ brɪɡ /

noun

1. nautical a two-masted square-rigger

2. a prison, esp in a navy ship

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Brig. ² British  

abbreviation

1. Brigadier

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brig ³ British  

/ brɪɡ /

noun

1. a Scot and northern English word for a bridge 1

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Etymology

Origin of brig

First recorded in 1705–15; short for brigantine

Example Sentences

“Well, not to boast, but we Harley-Dickinsons have a knack for navigation. But I was locked in the brig! Night and day I told them, ‘Let me out, and I’ll steer us safe to shore.’

From Literature

“And this: ‘Lady Ashton’s pirate getup was so gauche as to be illegal; quick, somebody, throw her in the brig!’

From Literature

They like Wash more than Titch, whom they throw in the brig, but they are nice, relatively speaking.

From Los Angeles Times

The brig, usually a bare-bones room with a bed and bathroom facilities, does not have iron bars like a traditional jail cell.

From New York Times

The punishment can include confinement in the brig, forfeiture of pay or dishonorable discharge and it is largely based on how long they were away and whether they were apprehended or returned on their own.

From Seattle Times