A*bate"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.
2.
The amount abated; that which is taken away by way of reduction; deduction; decrease; a rebate or discount allowed.
3. Her.
A mark of dishonor on an escutcheon.
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.
Defense in abatement, Plea in abatement, Law, [plea to the effect that from some formal defect (e.g. misnomer, want of jurisdiction) the proceedings should be abated.
© Webster 1913.