01 n. The act of abridging, or the state of being abridged; diminution; lessening; reduction or deprivation; as, an abridgment of pleasures or of…
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1.
The act of abridging, or the state of being abridged; diminution; lessening; reduction or deprivation; as, an abridgment of pleasures or of expenses.
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2.
An epitome or compend, as of a book; a shortened or abridged form, esp. of a written work; an abbreviation.“Ancient coins as abridgments of history.” — Addison.
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3.
That which abridges or cuts short; hence, an entertainment that makes the time pass quickly.[Obs.]“What abridgment have you for this evening? What mask? What music?” — Shak.
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4.
a diminution or curtailment, as of legal rights.
Syn.
Abridgment, Compendium, Epitome, Abstract, Synopsis.
An abridgment is made by omitting the less important parts of some larger work; as, an abridgment of a dictionary. A compendium is a brief exhibition of a subject, or science, for common use; as, a compendium of American literature. An epitome corresponds to a compendium, and gives briefly the most material points of a subject; as, an epitome of history. An abstract is a brief statement of a thing in its main points. A synopsis is a bird's-eye view of a subject, or work, in its several parts.