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.