v. t.
To bring down or reduce from a higher to a lower state, number, or degree; to lessen; to diminish; to contract; to moderate; to cut short; as, to abate a demand; to abate pride, zeal, hope.
v. t.
To deduct; to omit; as, to abate something from a price.
v. t.
To reduce in estimation; to deprive.
v. t.
To bring entirely down or put an end to; to do away with; as, to abate a nuisance, to abate a writ.
v. t.
To diminish; to reduce. Legacies are liable to be abated entirely or in proportion, upon a deficiency of assets.
v. t.
To decrease, or become less in strength or violence; as, pain abates, a storm abates.
v. t.
To be defeated, or come to naught; to fall through; to fail; as, a writ abates.
n.
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 thereof.
n.
The amount abated; that which is taken away by way of reduction; deduction; decrease; a rebate or discount allowed.
n.
A mark of dishonor on an escutcheon.
n.
The entry of a stranger, without right, into a freehold after the death of the last possessor, before the heir or devisee.
n.
One who, or that which, abates.
n.
A means of defense formed by felled trees, the ends of whose branches are sharpened and directed outwards, or against the enemy.
a.
Provided with an abatis.
n.
One who abates a nuisance.
n.
A person who, without right, enters into a freehold on the death of the last possessor, before the heir or devisee.