Definify.com
Webster 1913 Edition
Abridgment
1.
The act of abridging, or the state of being abridged; diminution; lessening; reduction or deprivation;
as, an
. abridgment
of pleasures or of expenses2.
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.
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? Shakespeare
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.
Webster 1828 Edition
Abridgment
ABRIDG'MENT
,Noun.
1.
An epitome; a compend, or summary of a book.2.
Diminution; contraction; reduction - as an abridgment of expenses.3.
Deprivation; a debarring or restraint - as an abridgment of pleasures.