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The Collaborative International Dictionary of English v.0.48 (gcide)

Abridgment \A*bridg"ment\ (-br[i^]j"ment), n. [OE. abregement.
See {Abridge}.]
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.
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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.]
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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.
[PJC]

Syn: {Abridgment}, {Compendium}, {Epitome}, {Abstract},
{Synopsis}.

Usage: 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.
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