The DICT Development Group

  Abatement \A*bate"ment\ (-ment), n. [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
        thereof.
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     2. The amount abated; that which is taken away by way of
        reduction; deduction; decrease; a rebate or discount
        allowed.
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     3. (Her.) A mark of dishonor on an escutcheon.
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     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.
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     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.
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