noun

1. The act of abridging; reduction or deprivation

   "an abridgment of pleasures or of expenses"

2. The state of being abridged or lessened.

3. An epitome or compend, as of a book; a shortened or abridged form; an abbreviation.

4. That which abridges or cuts short; hence, an entertainment that makes the time pass quickly

5. Any of various brief statements of case law made before modern reporting of legal cases.

6. The leaving out of certain portions of a plaintiff's demand, the writ still holding good for the remainder.