a town of Dorsetshire in England. It has a low dirty situation between two rivers, which, at a little distance, joining a small stream, formerly made a convenient harbour; but is now quite choked up with sand. It sends two members to parliament, who are chosen by the inhabitants who are housekeepers. It is noted for making of ropes and cables for shipping; whence arises a proverb of a man that is hanged, that he is stabbed with a Bridport dagger. W. Long. 3. 0. N. Lat. 50. 40.

BBIEF, in law, an abridgment of the client's case, made out for the instruction of council on a trial at law; wherein the case of the plaintiff, &c. is to be briefly but fully stated: the proofs must be placed in due order, and proper answers made to whatever may be objected to the client's cause by the opposite side; and herein great care is requisite, that nothing be omitted, to endanger the cause.