a·bridge 
(
ə-br
ĭj
)
tr.v. a·bridged,
a·bridg·ing,
a·bridg·es 1. To reduce the length of (a written text); condense: The editor abridged the manuscript by cutting out two chapters. See Synonyms at shorten.
2. To limit; curtail: an unconstitutional law that abridged the rights of citizens.
[Middle English abregen, from Old French abregier, from Late Latin abbreviāre, to shorten; see ABBREVIATE.]
a·bridger n.