A*bridg"ment (-br&ibreve;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.
2. An epitome or compend, as of a book; a shortened
or abridged form; 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?
Shak.
Syn. -- Abridgment, Compendium, Epitome,
Abstract, Synopsis. 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.
