\A*bridg"ment\ (-br[i^]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}.
Usage: 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.