[1] : The Collaborative International Dictionary of English v.0.48

abatement \abate"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.
      1913 webster

   2. the amount abated; that which is taken away by way of
      reduction; deduction; decrease; a rebate or discount
      allowed.
      1913 webster

   3. her. a mark of dishonor on an escutcheon.
      1913 webster

   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.
      1913 webster

   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.
      1913 webster
see also:
defense in abatement plea in abatement 

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