Definify.com
Webster 1913 Edition
Abatement
A-bate′ment
(-ment)
, Noun.
[OF.
abatement
, F. abattement
.] 1.
The act of abating, or the state of being abated; a lessening, diminution, or reduction; removal or putting an end to;
as, the
. abatement
of a nuisance is the suppression thereof2.
The amount abated; that which is taken away by way of reduction; deduction; decrease; a rebate or discount allowed.
3.
(Her.)
A mark of dishonor on an escutcheon.
4.
(Law)
The entry of a stranger, without right, into a freehold after the death of the last possessor, before the heir or devisee.
Blackstone.
Defense in abatement
, Plea in abatement
(Law)
, plea to the effect that from some formal defect (e.g. misnomer, lack of jurisdiction) the proceedings should be abated.
Webster 1828 Edition
Abatement
ABA'TEMENT
,Noun.
1.
The act of abating; the state of being abated.2.
A reduction, removing, or pulling down as of a nuisance.3.
Diminution, decrease, or mitigation, as of grief or pain.4.
Deduction, sum withdraw, as from an account.5.
Overthrow, failure or defeat, as of a writ.6.
The entry of a stranger into a freehold after the death of the tenant, before the heir or devisee.7.
In heraldry, a mark of dishonor in a coat of arms, by which its dignity is debased for some stain on the character of the wearer.