Abatement
Abatement (-ment) , noun
[Old French abatement, French 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.
(Heraldry) 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
Collocations (1)
Defense in abatement or Plea in abatement (Law) , plea to the effect that from some formal defect (for example misnomer, lack of jurisdiction) the proceedings should be abated.