definition of the word abridgment

Middle English abregement < Middle French see abridge.

abridgment (plural abridgments)

1. The act of abridging, or the state of being abridged; diminution; lessening; reduction or deprivation; as, an abridgment of pleasures or of expenses.
2. An epitome or compend, as of a book; a shortened or abridged form; an abbreviation.

   Quotations

   • Ancient coins as abridgments of history. - Addison

3. (obsolete) That which abridges or cuts short; hence, an entertainment that makes the time pass quickly

   Quotations

   • What abridgment have you for this evening? What masque? what music? - Shakespeare, Midsummer Night's Dream, V-i

• compendium, epitome, abstract, synopsis, précis
• 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.

Definition from Wiktionary Content avaible with GNU Free Documentation License

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