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 noun 
 Etymology: Middle English bras, from Old English bræs; akin to Middle Low German bras metal Date: before 12th century an alloy consisting essentially of copper and zinc in variable proportions, 
 
 2. the brass instruments of an orchestra or band, a usually brass memorial tablet, bright metal fittings, utensils, or ornaments, empty cartridge shells, brazen self-assurance ;  gall  , 
 
 4. singular or plural in construction high-ranking members of the military, persons in high positions (as in a business or the government), brass  adjective 

 brass band 
  noun 
 Date: 1834
 a band consisting chiefly or solely of brass and percussion instruments

 brass collar democrat 
  noun 
 Date: 1951
 a conservative Democrat especially in the south who votes the straight Democratic ticket

 brass hat 
  noun 
 Etymology: from the gold braid worn on the cap
 Date: 1893
 a member of the brass

 brass instrument 
  noun 
 Date: 1843
 any of a group of wind instruments (as a French horn, trombone, trumpet, or tuba) that is usually characterized by a long cylindrical or conical metal tube commonly curved two or more times and ending in a flared bell, that produces tones by the vibrations of the player's lips against a usually cup-shaped mouthpiece, and that usually has valves or a slide by which the player may produce all the tones within the instrument's range

 brass knuckles 
  noun plural but singular or plural in construction
 Date: 1855
  knuckle  4

 brass ring 
  noun 
 Date: 1950
 a rich opportunity ;  prize  

 brass tacks 
  noun plural
 Date: 1895
 details of immediate practical importance