The Latin phrase “brevi manu” means “with a shorthand” or “by one’s own hand.” It is commonly used in legal and historical contexts to indicate that something was done directly by someone, without the involvement of intermediaries or agents. For instance, if a document is signed “brevi manu,” it signifies that the person signing it did it personally, without using a proxy or representative. This phrase can also be used more broadly to convey the idea of taking direct and personal responsibility for something.