briefless

[ breef-lis ]

adjective

1. having no brief.
2. having no clients, as a lawyer.

briefless

/ ˈbriːflɪs /

adjective

1. (said of a barrister) without clients

Other Words From

• briefless·ly adverb
• briefless·ness noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of briefless¹

1815–25; brief (noun) + -less

Example Sentences

Bissett was a fellow member of the Middle Temple, as contentedly briefless as himself.

From Project Gutenberg

He was a briefless barrister of the Inner Temple, and resided with his father till the period of his death.

From Project Gutenberg

It sets forth the uninteresting fortunes of an insignificant person, one John Stiles, a briefless barrister.

From Project Gutenberg

What could a briefless barrister do better than throw himself upon the law?

From Project Gutenberg

You think a briefless lawyer of thirty can go it alone, do you, even against the whole city government?

From Project Gutenberg