a note or character of time, equivalent to two semibreves or four minims. when dotted, it is equal to three semibreves. it was formerly of a square figure (as thus: / ), but is now made oval, with a line perpendicular to the staff on each of its sides; -- formerly much used for choir service.-any writ or precept under seal, issued out of any court.-a curved mark [/] used commonly to indicate the short quantity of a vowel.-the great ant thrush of sumatra (pitta gigas), which has a very short tail.