abatev.¹

Brit.

/əˈbeɪt/, U.S.

/əˈbeɪt/

Forms: Middle English abatie, Middle English abatye, Middle English–1500s abbate, Middle English– abate, 1500s abayte, 1500s abaytte, 1500s abbayte, 1500s–1600s abaite, 1900s– abait (nonstandard); Scottish pre-1700 abait, pre-1700 abaite, pre-1700 abaite, pre-1700 abaith, pre-1700 abaitt, pre-1700 abayt, pre-1700 abbait, pre-1700 abeat, pre-1700 abeatte, pre-1700 abet, pre-1700 1700s– abate.

Origin: A borrowing from French. Etymon: French abattre.

Etymology: < Anglo-Norman abater, abatier, Anglo-Norman and Old French, Middle French abatre, Anglo-Norman and Middle French abbatre, Old French, Middle French abattre (French abattre ) to knock down, raze, dismantle (c1100), to cut down, fell (c1155 with reference to people; early 13th cent. or earlier with reference to trees), to overthrow (a king) (c1155), to slay, kill (late 12th cent. or earlier), to curb (power, etc.) (c1200), to remove (currency) from circulation (c1230 or earlier), to reduce, lessen (1256), to conquer (1268 or earlier), to bring down (physically or mentally) (c1270), to ruin (financially), impoverish (c1285 or earlier), (in law) to annul (c1292 or earlier), (in law) to become null (a1293 or earlier), to clip (coins) (13th cent. or earlier), to discontinue (1305 or earlier), to stop, put an end to (a1323 or earlier), to reduce the price or value of something (14th cent. or earlier), to discourage (mid 14th cent.), to suppress (a rebellion) (1407 or earlier) < post-classical Latin abattere to take down (6th cent.), to suppress, to debase a mintage (12th cent., perhaps reflecting vernacular use) < classical Latin ab- ab- prefix + battere (also battuere ) bate v.¹ Compare also post-classical Latin abatare to annul (1513 in a British source). Compare Old Occitan abatre (12th cent.), Catalan abatre (1312), Spanish abatir (early 13th cent.), Portuguese abater (13th cent.), Italian abbattere (late 13th cent.).In sense 15 after French rabattre (of a horse) to execute (a curvet) so that both hind legs come to the ground simultaneously (see rebate v.¹). Compare earlier rebate v.¹ 8.

I. To put an end to.

†1. transitive. To put an end to (a condition, state of affairs, etc.). Obsolete.

ΘΚΠ

the world > relative properties > order > order, sequence, or succession > end or conclusion > bring to an end or conclude [verb (transitive)]

yendc1000

abatec1300

finec1300

endc1305

finisha1375

definec1384

terminec1390

achievea1393

out-enda1400

terminate?a1425

conclude1430

close1439

to bring adowna1450

terma1475

adetermine1483

determine1483

to knit up1530

do1549

parclose1558

to shut up1575

expire1578

date1589

to close up1592

period1595

includea1616

apostrophate1622

to wind off1650

periodizea1657

dismiss1698

to wind up1740

to put the lid on1873

to put the tin hat on something1900

to wash up1925

c1300 St. Nicholas (Laud) l. 162 in C. Horstmann Early S.-Eng. Legendary (1887) 245 (MED) For-to a-batien is pouwer in alle manere he gan fonde.

a1375 (c1350) William of Palerne (1867) l. 1141 (MED) To a-bate þe bost of þat breme duke.

a1425 (a1400) Prick of Conscience (Galba & Harl.) (1863) l. 1672 (MED) Ded..abates And chaunges all myghtes and states.

c1450 (a1375) Octavian (Calig.) (1979) l. 38 (MED) Þe kyng of Fraunce Myghte abate all þys daunce.

a1470 T. Malory Morte Darthur (Winch. Coll. 13) (1990) I. 302 Thou shalt se knyghtes that shall abate thy boste.

1483 ( tr. G. Deguileville Pilgrimage of Soul (Caxton) v. xii. f. ciij^v And fynally abatid is the strif.

1585 Abp. E. Sandys Serm. iv. 67 S. Paul abateth this opinion.

1585 Abp. E. Sandys Serm. xv. 259 To abate the hawtie conceit, which naturally wee haue of our selues.

1671 C. Wase tr. B. Priolo Hist. France iii. 111 She too pretended..that their Tyranny must be abated with Arms, who had put the King upon cruel Counsels.

2. Chiefly Law.

a. transitive. To render (a writ or similar document) null or void; to make or declare invalid; to cause to lapse. Also intransitive: (of a writ) to become or be declared null or void; to lapse, expire. Now chiefly historical.

ΘΚΠ

society > law > rule of law > illegality > render illegal [verb (transitive)] > deprive of legal validity

abatea1325

squatcha1325

voida1325

allayc1325

annul1395

reverse1395

revokec1400

rupt?a1425

repealc1425

abroge1427

defeat1429

purloin1461

cassa1464

toll1467

resume1472

reprove1479

suspend1488

discharge1495

reduce1498

cassate1512

defease1512

denulla1513

disannula1513

fordoa1513

avoid1514–5

abrogate?1520

frustrate1528

revert1528

disaffirm?1530

extinct1530

resolve1537

null1538

nihilate1545

extinguish1548

elidec1554

revocate1564

annullate1570

squat1577

skaila1583

irritate1605

retex1606

nullify1607

unable1611

refix1621

vitiate1627

invalid1643

vacate1643

unlaw1644

outlaw1647

invalidate1649

disenact1651

vacuate1654

supersedec1674

destroy1805

break1891

society > law > rule of law > illegality > illegal [verb (intransitive)] > become invalid

abatec1523

resolvea1768

a1325 Statutes of Realm (2011) v. 21 So þat for vnage of þe eires..þat te writ ne be noȝt abated ne þe plee delaid.

?a1445 Memorandum conc. E. Beckham in Paston Lett. & Papers (2005) III. 13 And aftyr þe seyd writ a-batyd be þe deth of þe seyd Robert Crane, pletyd on þe morw aftyr Sowlemesse day last pasid [etc.].

c1475 (c1399) Mum & Sothsegger (Cambr. Ll.4.14) (1936) iii. l. 307 (MED) Þey prien affter presentis..And abateth all þe billis of þo þat nouȝth bringith.

c1523 J. Rastell Expos. Terminorum Legum Anglorum sig. A3^v Ther be thyngis whiche shall abate a wryt, that is to sey mysnamyng of the pleyntyf or the defendaunt or of the place [etc.].

c1523 J. Rastell Expos. Terminorum Legum Anglorum sig. A3^v Abatement of a wryt or playnt, is whan any accion is brought by wryt or pleynt, and ther lackyth sufficient matter..then the defendaunt shall pray that the wryt shall abate.

1574 J. Baret Aluearie A 17 His accusation or writ is abated or ouerthrowne... When the Attorney by ignoraunce declareth not the processe in due forme, or the writte abateth.

1601 W. Fulbecke Parallele or Conf. Law x. f. 62^v In the summons A. was omitted, wherefore the writte abated.

1622 R. Sanderson Two Serm. Boston ii. 72 And any one short Clause, or Prouiso, not legall, is sufficient to abate the whole writ or instrument.

1694 tr. O. G. de Busbecq Four Epist. conc. Embassy into Turkey iii. 137 The Distance of Place is so great between us, that if I should put in an Exception to your Plea, yet your Writ would hardly abate.

1741 T. Robinson Common Law of Kent vi. 109 The Writ was abated by the Court.

1768 W. Blackstone Comm. Laws Eng. III. 247 The suit is of no effect, and the writ shall abate.

1809 T. E. Tomlins Jacob's Law-dict. (at cited word) To abate a writ is to defeat or overthrow it by shewing some error or exception.

1894 Pennsylvania County Court Rep. XIV. 399 The Supreme Court abated the writ, as was also done where an appeal was pending and a party died.

1921 P. H. Winfield Hist. Conspiracy & Abuse of Legal Proc. (2001) ii. 54 The Court was not advised to abate the writ merely because the peril was not as great in the one case as in the other.

1999 D. J. Ibbetson Hist. Introd. Law of Obligations i. iii. 55 The flooding of the plaintiff's land as a result of the defendant's failure to repair river walls was described as being in breach of the king's peace, and the writ abated in consequence.

b. transitive. To cause to cease; to do away with; spec. to terminate or dismiss (a legal proceeding) before completion, esp. as a result of a procedural matter or a change of interest or status of one of the parties. Also intransitive: (of a legal proceeding) to be brought to an end in this way. Now chiefly U.S.

ΘΚΠ

society > law > administration of justice > court proceedings or procedure > [verb (transitive)] > stay or suspend proceedings

abatec1325

to put in suspense1421

stint1491

stay1525

bar1552

sist1635

stop1690

c1325 (c1300) Chron. Robert of Gloucester (Calig.) 9177 (MED) Monye luþer lawes..He bihet þat he wolde abate.

a1455 in Cal. Proc. Chancery Queen Elizabeth (1827) I. p. xlviii (MED) Thomas Depeham..relesed to..William Styward..al manere accions personels, wherthurgh the seid accion is clerely abated ageyns the seid William Styward.

1583 Sir T. Smith's De Republica Anglorum ii. xiii. 56 If he once come to denie..that..the euidence which his aduersarie bringeth is not true..or any such like exception which is vaileable to abate the action or barre the partie.

1672 D. F. Statuta Vetera 67 The death or change of the Clerk of the Peace shall not abate the suit.

1673 E. W. Several Remarkable Passages conc. Hollanders 78 William Courten the Executor dyed intestate in Italy, whereby the action abated against Sir Iacob Cats.

1726 J. Ayliffe Parergon Juris Canonici Anglicani 266 This only suspends but does not abate the action.

1738 Defoe's Compl. Eng. Tradesman (ed. 4) I. xvi. 193 Commissions shall not abate by the death of his majesty.

1768 W. Blackstone Comm. Laws Eng. III. 448 There may be also a bill of revivor, when the suit is abated by the death of any of the parties.

1809 T. E. Tomlins Jacob's Law-dict. (at cited word) It is said an appeal shall abate, and be defeated by reason of covin or deceit.

1860 W. N. Massey Hist. Eng. III. xxxi. 437 The Committee of Privileges resolved, that impeachments stood on the same footing as appeals and writs of error; consequently they did not abate [when Parliament was dissolved].

1895 Supreme Court Reporter (U.S.) 15 737/2 Neither was the action in that court abated, nor was it left as one only between the owners of the Last Chance claim and the government.

1959 Amer. Jrnl. Legal Hist. 245 3 If one of the parties were killed in the battle, the suit would abate and no judgment could be given.

1996 Air Force Law Rev. (U.S.) 39 149 The convening authority refused to order the retest and the military judge abated the proceedings.

c. transitive. To put an end to or remove (a nuisance (nuisance n. 2)). Also in extended use.

ΚΠ

1647 Reading R. Brook upon Statute of Limitations ii. 43 To enter into the land of the plaintife and to abate the Nusance as often as the plaintife or his auncestours estop such a river de tempore.

1780 E. Burke Speech Oeconomical Reformation 14 They abate the nusance, they pull down the house.

1833 T. De Quincey Cæsars in Blackwood's Edinb. Mag. Jan. 58/1 To put him down, and ‘abate’ him as a monster.

1896 Law Times 100 488/1 To repair the drain so as to abate the nuisance complained of.

1904 Federal Reporter 128 5 In a suit to abate a railroad bridge as a nuisance the Supreme Court held that the value of the right to maintain the bridge..determines the jurisdiction of the court.

1957 Brit. Med. Jrnl. 2 1248/1 If the smoke comes from buildings other than private dwellings, proceedings can be taken before the local magistrates for an order compelling the owner to abate the nuisance.

1994 Amer. Spectator Mar. 86/1 The Riverside County Fire Department had ordered them to ‘abate the flammable vegetation’ on their property.

3. transitive. To knock or tear down (a structure); to destroy, demolish, raze to the ground. Law in later use.Now rare except as merged in sense 2c.

ΚΠ

?a1425 (c1400) Mandeville's Trav. (Titus C.xvi) (1919) 63 (MED) Ierusalem hath..ben destroyed & the walles abated & beten doun.

tr. Palladius De re Rustica (Duke Humfrey) (1896) ii. l. 5 Hem to desolate Of erthe, and al from euery roote abate.

a1500 (c1400) St. Erkenwald (1977) l. 37 (MED) Þen was hit [sc. the temple] abatyd and beten doun, and buggyd efte new.

a1513 R. Fabyan New Cronycles Eng. & Fraunce (1516) II. f. cxxiiii^v Y^e gates of Bruges, of Ipre, of Courtray and of other Townes were abated and throwyn downe.

1576 W. Lambarde Perambulation of Kent 162 Bycause it [sc. Apultre] was not of sufficient strength for their defence and conuerture, they abated [it] to the ground.

a1612 W. Fowler Tarantula of Love in Wks. (1914) I. 172 The rearding thoundars highest triees abate [v.r. abaite].

1643 W. Prynne Doome of Cowardize 4 And that night came a great party of them, and by fine force made an assault and abated the Baracadoes.

1676 J. Evelyn Philos. Disc. Earth 55 During the hottest Summer-Months carefully to abate the Weeds..is very necessary.

1749 J. Salthouse Wood's Compl. Body Conveyancing I. vi. 118 It signifies to prostrate, beat down or overthrow, as to abate Castles, Houses, and the like.

1799 Decree 1 Oct. in T. Jefferson Papers (2004) XXXI. 208 The court..order..that the defendents do abate and throw down so much of their already erected dam as raiseth the water in that stream above its natural level.

1809 T. E. Tomlins Jacob's Law-dict. (at cited word) To abate; to prostrate, break down, or destroy. In law to abate a castle or fort is to beat it down.

1864 Wandsw. Br. Act 44 If any work made by the Company in, over, or across the River Thames..be abandoned or suffered to fall into disuse or decay, the Conservators of the River Thames may abate and remove the same.

1906 Lawyers Rep. Annotated New Ser. 1 132/2 The remedy of one whose property is damaged is an action for damages, and not an injunction to abate the structure.

II. To lessen, diminish, or reduce.

a. transitive. To lessen or reduce in force or intensity; to moderate. Formerly also in passive (with unexpressed agent): †to be reduced in force or intensity (obsolete).

ΘΚΠ

the world > action or operation > manner of action > lack of violence, severity, or intensity > make less violent or severe [verb (transitive)]

temperc1000

keelc1175

slakea1300

abate?c1335

settle1338

swagea1340

modifyc1385

rebatea1398

bate1398

moder1414

releasea1425

remiss?a1425

moderate1435

alethe?1440

delaya1450

appal1470

addulce1477

mollify1496

mean?a1513

relent1535

qualify1536

temperatea1540

aplake1578

slack1589

relaxate1598

milden1603

mitigate1611

relax1612

alleniate1615

allay1628

alloy1634

castigate1653

smoothen1655

tendera1656

mitify1656

meeken1662

remitigate1671

obviscate1684

slacken1685

chastise1704

dulcify1744

absorb1791

demulceate1817

chasten1856

modulate1974

mediate1987

the world > action or operation > manner of action > lack of violence, severity, or intensity > make less violent or severe [verb (transitive)] > mitigate or alleviate

lithec897

lighteOE

lissea1000

stillc1000

alightOE

alithe?a1200

softc1225

swagec1330

abate?c1335

easea1374

accoya1375

allegea1375

stintc1374

slakea1387

assuage1393

planea1400

slecka1400

plasterc1400

soften?c1415

lighten?a1425

mitigate?a1425

relievec1425

asoftc1430

alleviate?a1475

allevya1500

sletcha1500

alleve1544

allevate1570

salve?1577

sweetena1586

smooth1589

disembitter1622

deleniate1623

slaken1629

tranquillitate1657

soothe1711

?c1335 in W. Heuser Kildare-Gedichte (1904) 170 When eld blowiþ, he is blode [read bolde], his ble is sone abatid.

a1387 J. Trevisa tr. R. Higden Polychron. (St. John's Cambr.) (1871) III. 443 (MED) By þat answere Alisaundre abated his wreþe, and put of þe sentence and þe dome.

?a1400 (a1338) R. Mannyng Chron. (Petyt) ii. 269 (MED) His moder Helianore abated þer grete bale.

a1425 (a1400) Prick of Conscience (Galba & Harl.) (1863) l. 2840 For na thyng may abate þair pyne.

1534 R. Whittington tr. Cicero Thre Bks. Tullyes Offyces ii. sig. K.7 The greuaunce of heates be acooled and abated.

?1558 T. Hill Most Briefe Treat. Garden vii. D.vii Ye great force of ye sauor [sc. of heads of garlic] wil be wel abated.

1574 A. Golding tr. A. Marlorat Catholike Expos. Reuelation 33 Charitie is lyke fyre, whyche is easyly put oute if it be abated.

1611 Bible (King James) Deut. xxxiv. 7 His eye was not dimme, nor his naturall force abated .

1670 I. Walton Life G. Herbert 36 in Lives Lord, abate my great affliction, or increase my patience.

1704 Duke of Marlborough Let. 12 Feb. in H. L. Snyder Marlborough–Godolphin Corr. (1975) I. 261 The wind being something abated, wee put up a little saile and stode for the Glory.

1759 W. Robertson Hist. Scotl. I. ii. 156 She shook the fidelity, or abated the ardour of some.

1779 R. B. Sheridan Let. Mar. (1966) III. 310 The spirit of Englishmen is not exhausted, nor even abated.

1859 J. S. Mill On Liberty ii. 68 To abate the force of these considerations.

1892 S. Baring-Gould In Roar of Sea II. xxxii. 183 Her lack of reciprocation did not abate his passion; it aggravated it.

1956 H. L. Mencken Minority Rep. 115 Their disappointment does not abate their appetite for more.

1996 Star Tribune (Minneapolis) (Nexis) 9 June 1 a McAfee told the family that only time could abate their pain.

b. intransitive. To lose force or intensity; to grow less, be moderated.

ΘΚΠ

the world > action or operation > manner of action > lack of violence, severity, or intensity > become less violent or severe [verb (intransitive)] > lose vigour or intensity

swindOE

wane1297

forslacka1300

keelc1325

deadc1384

abatea1387

flag1639

to go off1642

subsidea1645

slacken1651

flat1654

lower1699

relax1701

deaden1723

entame1768

sober1825

lighten1827

sletch1847

slow1849

languish1855

bate1860

to slow up1861

to slow down1879

a1387 J. Trevisa tr. R. Higden Polychron. (St. John's Cambr.) (1869) II. 185 In a mannys ȝowþe þe body is þryuynge..But in his elde..myȝt and strengþe abateþ [L. virtus per totum deficit].

a1393 J. Gower Confessio Amantis (Fairf.) ii. l. 809 (MED) His lust began tabate.

?a1450 ( J. Lydgate Serpent of Division (McClean) (1911) 55 (MED) Þe prosperite of Rome muste abate and drawe to declyne.

c1540 (?a1400) Gest Historiale Destr. Troy 4665 The se wex sober..The bremnes abatid; blusshit the sun.

1579 E. Spenser Shepheardes Cal. Mar. 8 Winters wrath beginnes to quell [gloss. to abate].

1600 W. Shakespeare Henry V iv. iv. 46 My fury shall abate, And I the Crownes will take.

1697 J. Dryden tr. Virgil Georgics i, in tr. Virgil Wks. 63 When Winter's rage abates, when chearful Hours Awake the Spring.

1720 D. Defoe Life Capt. Singleton 271 Towards Morning..the Wind abated a little.

1837 T. Carlyle French Revol. I. vi. iii. 322 This conflagration of the South-East will abate.

1869 Echo Oct. 9 The Foot and Mouth Disease which has been raging with some virulence is now beginning to abate.

1909 Chatterbox 132/2 On the Thursday, when the storm had abated, the Delight (the flag or ‘admiral’ ship) hailed her consorts.

1952 R. C. Hutchison Recoll. Journey (1983) ix. 193 The intensity of cold abates.

2009 Sydney Morning Herald (Nexis) 13 June (Sport) 4 Janiak..bought a horse for $980. It won him six races, sparking a three decades-long passion yet to abate.

a. transitive. To reduce in value, price, or estimation.

ΚΠ

1340 Ayenbite (1866) 28 (MED) Vor þet guode los to abatye..þe enuious agrayþeþ alle his gynnes.

a1425 (?a1400) G. Chaucer Romaunt Rose (Hunterian) (1891) l. 286 And if he were so hende and wis That she ne myght al abate his pris Yit wolde she blame his worthynesse.

1429–30 Rolls of Parl.: Henry VI (Electronic ed.) Parl. Sept. 1429 §63. m. 2 Wherfore like it þe kyng..þat þaire licences mowe be repelled, in hinderyng of his custumes..and abatyng þe price of commodite of his roiaume.

a1475 J. Fortescue Governance of Eng. (Laud) (1885) 148 How þe prises off marchaundise growen in this lande mey be holde vp and encressed, and the prises off merchandyses browght in to this lande abatid.

1548 Hall's Vnion: Henry IV f. clxxiiij At length thei were fain..to abate the price.

1670 R. Coke Disc. Trade 33 If the Importation of Irish Cattel had abated the Rents of England one half.

1747 H. Purefoy Let. 25 Oct. (1931) I. i. 13 If you send your wife anything that wee don't know of her allowance from y^e Parish is not at all abated for it.

1752 Scots Mag. Feb. 403 A table, shewing how much is to be abated of rent,..salaries, etc. when the term of payment is anticipated.

1823 Edinb. Rev. Feb. 22 Abatement is also made for the rent of any supernumerary houses upon the estate... The rents of mills and ferries are also abated.

1869 ‘M. Twain’ Let. (1992) III. 436 They had the cheek to ask me to abate my price.

1930 Times 24 Jan. 9/6 To abate the price of export to the foreigner by placing the whole burden on the home consumers.

1997 Daily Tel. 18 Dec. 5/5 About 150 staff who are paid from the Civil List or grant-in-aid have their salaries abated in lieu of rent for their accommodation.

b. intransitive. To fall or be reduced in value or price; spec. (Law) (of a legacy) to be reduced, esp. when an estate is insufficient to cover all the bequests made in the deceased's will.

ΚΠ

1705 tr. Hist. Republick of Holland II. vii. 114 The price abates to the Sum that was last bid.

1727 D. Defoe Compl. Eng. Tradesman II. i. iv. 127 As..Wages abate to the Poor, Provisions must abate in the Market, and Rents must sink, and abate to the Landlords.

1768 W. Blackstone Comm. Laws Eng. II. 512 And in case of a deficiency of assets, all the general legacies must abate proportionably, in order to pay the debts.

1804 Times 1 Mar. 4/1 It must have a great tendency to increase the price of recruits. Where and when had that price abated?

1846 J. P. Holcombe Introd. Equity Jurispr. xxxi. 222 Charitable legacies shall abate in proportion as pecuniary legacies.

1877 Rep. Admin. Land Revenue Assam i. 5 Revenue abated during the year on account of certain lands taken up in previous years for the purpose of widening certain public roads.

1938 Columbia Law Rev. 38 1314 The remainderman denies that his legacy abates to pay them, insisting that his is a preferred legacy for which general legacies must abate.

1951 Univ. Pennsylvania Law Rev. 99 1190 There are dicta indicating that demonstrative legacies will abate with specific legacies regardless of whether the fund designated is sufficient to cover them.

2008 Press & Jrnl. (Aberdeen) (Nexis) 2 Dec. 3 Galbraith's rural practice head Wattie Barbour said..soaring rural property values had abated.

a. transitive. To reduce in size, amount, or quantity; to make smaller.

ΘΚΠ

the world > relative properties > quantity > decrease or reduction in quantity, amount, or degree > reduce in quantity, amount, or degree [verb (transitive)]

littleeOE

anitherOE

wanzelOE

lessc1225

slakea1300

littenc1300

aslakec1314

adminisha1325

allayc1330

settle1338

low1340

minisha1382

reprovea1382

abatea1398

rebatea1398

subtlea1398

alaskia1400

forlyten?a1400

imminish14..

lessenc1410

diminish1417

repress?a1425

assuagec1430

scarcec1440

small1440

underslakec1440

alessa1450

debate?c1450

batec1460

decreasec1470

appetisse1474

alow1494

mince1499

perswage?1504

remita1513

inless?1521

attenuate1530

weaken1530

defray1532

mitigate1532

minorate1534

narrow?1548

diminuec1550

extenuate1555

amain1578

exolve1578

base1581

dejecta1586

amoinder1588

faint1598

qualify1604

contract1605

to pull down1607

shrivel1609

to take down1610

disaugment1611

impoverish1611

shrink1628

decoct1629

persway1631

unflame1635

straiten1645

depress1647

reduce1649

detract1654

minuate1657

alloy1661

lower?1662

sinka1684

retreat1690

nip1785

to drive down1840

minify1866

to knock down1867

to damp down1869

scale1887

mute1891

clip1938

to roll back1942

to cut back1943

downscale1945

downrate1958

slim1963

downshift1972

a1398 J. Trevisa tr. Bartholomaeus Anglicus De Proprietatibus Rerum (BL Add. 27944) (1975) II. xvii. lxxviii. 970 [Gutta] abatiþ alle swellyng and bolnynge [no direct equivalent in L. original].

c1475 Bk. Marchalsi (Trin. Cambr.) f. 73 (MED) Thou mayste abate the veynes with þe same licour.

1556 Acts Privy Council Irel. (1897) 23 They [sc. beef carcases] may for store be putt in salte, considering that after tyme they will fall and abate their flesh.

1570 H. Billingsley tr. Euclid Elements Geom. xii. f. 380 Which it will the more aptly doo, if ye do abate slauntingly, the contrary arasses of the slitt of it.

1617 J. Woodall Surgions Mate 17 Small Files are used..to abate any end of a bone..which is fractured.

1686 N. Cox Gentleman's Recreation (ed. 3) v. iii. 30 The Coldness of the Night (which is an Enemy to the Horse) abates as much Flesh and Lust as he getteth in the Day.

1707 J. Mortimer Whole Art Husbandry 395 If your Trees grow too top heavy, you must abate the Head to lighten them.

1729 J. B. tr. A. Belloste Hosp. Surgeon Vol. II 40 The Thigh and Leg were less pained, and their Size was somewhat abated.

1823 W. Scott Peveril III. iv. 100 A lucky accident had abated Chiffinch's party to their own number.

1865 Trans. National Assoc. Promotion Social Sci. 1864 413 King Edward's Sangrados were content to abate the number of our pauperized benefices: their poverty was bequeathed to posterity.

1905 C. Cox Canterbury iii. 77 In 1497 Henry VII..abated the number of the common council from thirty-six to twenty-four.

2007 L. Klajn Past in Present Times i. 4 They still had to resolve a more important question—whether Austro-Hungary was to be destroyed, broken up, or just abated in size.

b. intransitive. To decrease in size, amount, or quantity; to become smaller.Esp. with reference to water, frequently with some implication of reduced force: cf. sense 4b.

ΘΚΠ

the world > relative properties > quantity > decrease or reduction in quantity, amount, or degree > decrease in quantity, amount, or degree [verb (intransitive)]

littleOE

setc1000

wanzec1175

lessc1225

allayc1275

wane1297

slaken1303

disincreasec1374

slakec1380

decrease1382

debatea1400

unwaxa1400

wastea1400

adminishc1400

lessenc1400

imminish14..

aslakec1405

minish?a1425

assuagec1430

shrinkc1449

to let down1486

decay1489

diminish1520

fall1523

rebate1540

batea1542

to come down1548

abate1560

stoop1572

pine1580

slack1580

scanten1585

shrivel1588

decrew1596

remit1629

contract1648

subside1680

lower1697

relax1701

drop1730

to take off1776

to run down1792

reduce1798

recede1810

to run off1816

to go down1823

attenuatea1834

ease1876

downscale1945

1560 Bible (Geneva) Gen. viii. 3 The waters returned from aboue the earth, going and returning: and after the end of the hundreth and fiftieth day the waters abated [Hebrew wayyaḥsĕrū, L. coeperunt minui].

1587 Sir P. Sidney & A. Golding tr. P. de Mornay Trewnesse Christian Relig. xiv. 239 The more that the body abateth in flesh, the more woorkfull is the mynd.

1661 T. Salusbury tr. B. Castellus Mensuration Running Waters iii. 94 in Math. Coll. & Transl. I By the trampling of Cattle which pass thorow the Draining River, the waters abate so notably, that it is as it were a miracle for those Reeds, Flags, and Weeds that spring up.

1673 R. Almond Eng. Horsman xxv. 255 Seeing the swelling thus begin to abate and come down.

1727 E. Calamy Contin. Acct. Ministers I. 33 In the second Week the Number [of deaths] abated to six thousand five hundred and forty-four.

1748 G. Washington Diary 20 Mar. (1976) 12 Finding the River not much abated we..Swam our horses over.

1814 R. Southey Carmen Triumph. xviii Then when the waters of the flood abate The Dove her resting-place secure may find.

1834 London Med. & Surg. Jrnl. 4 219/2 On pressing the femoral artery high up, near Poupart's ligament, the aneurismal tumour abated.

1921 Amer. Gas Engin. Jrnl. 8 Jan. 44/3 There were quite a number of cases a year ago, but the number abated for a while.

1999 Backpacker May 67/2 We implore them not to attempt it until the volume [of water] abates.

†c. transitive. Falconry. To cause (a hawk, etc.) to become lean. Also intransitive: (of a hawk, etc.) to become lean. Obsolete.

ΚΠ

1575 G. Turberville Bk. Faulconrie 96 This is done somewhat to abate a Hawke and to enseame hir.

1575 G. Turberville Bk. Faulconrie 135 You shall keepe hir alwayes in best plighte, and leaste daunger to abate.

1688 R. Holme Acad. Armory ii. xi. 238 Abate, is to lose their Flesh, go lean, become poor.

†7. transitive. To remove or take away (a part or portion of a whole); to deduct, subtract. Chiefly with of, out of, from, etc. Obsolete.

ΘΚΠ

the world > relative properties > quantity > decrease or reduction in quantity, amount, or degree > deduction > deduct [verb (transitive)]

abatec1400

rebate1425

batec1440

minishc1483

diminish?1504

detract1509

detray1509

deduct1524

defalkc1540

defalcate1541

subtray1549

derogate1561

discount1561

deduce?1566

substract1592

to strike off1597

reduct1600

subtract1610

subduct1716

to knock off1811

dock1891

shave1961

minus1963

c1400 ( G. Chaucer Treat. Astrolabe (Cambr. Dd.3.53) (1872) ii. §25. 34 Abate thanne thees degrees And minutes owt of 90; so leueth there 51 degrees.

?c1400 in J. O. Halliwell Rara Mathematica (1839) 60 (MED) Abate þe lesse nonmbre [read noumbre]..fro þe more..abate þe heght of þe hille fro al þat remenant.

1418 in R. W. Chambers & M. Daunt Bk. London Eng. (1931) 200 (MED) Theroff was abatyd For Gobettes..ij c v. lb.

1475 in C. L. Kingsford Stonor Lett. & Papers (1919) I. 163 (MED) The said William..shall deducte in his own handes and þerof abate þe sommes underwriten.

1483 ( tr. G. Deguileville Pilgrimage of Soul (Caxton) iv. viii. f. lxij He nele noo thynge abaten of the prys.

1551 R. Record Pathway to Knowl. ii. Introd. And if you abate euen portions from things that are equal, those partes that remain shall be equall also.

1570 J. Dee in H. Billingsley tr. Euclid Elements Geom. Math. Præf. sig. *iiij If from 4. ye abate 1. there resteth 3.

1609 in J. Farmiloe & R. Nixseaman Elizabethan Churchwardens' Accts. (1953) 58 We abated for the old clapper which wayd 62lb. 1d a pound 5s. 2d.

1679–88 in J. Y. Akerman Moneys Secret Services Charles II & James II (1851) 126 To be abated out of the moneys that are or shall be due to him for work.

1725 D. Defoe Compl. Eng. Tradesman I. xvii. 276 Rather than abate a farthing of the price they had ask'd.

1737 Compl. Family-piece (ed. 2) i. ii. 192 Take..9 Eggs, abating 4 Whites.

1810 Ld. Byron Let. 3 Oct. (1973) II. 19 I do recommend him..to abate three and sixpence in the price of his next boke.

1866 J. E. T. Rogers Hist. Agric. & Prices I. xx. 506 The merchant abating something of his morning price.

1881 ‘M. Twain’ Prince & Pauper xxiii. 73 Three shillings and eightpence, your worship—I could not abate a penny and set forth the value honestly.

†8. With of.

a. transitive. To deprive of. Obsolete.

ΘΚΠ

the mind > possession > loss > taking away > take away [verb (transitive)] > deprive (of)

benimc890

to do of ——eOE

bedealc1000

disturbc1230

bereavec1275

reave?a1300

acquitc1300

benemec1300

deprivec1330

privea1382

subvertc1384

oppressc1395

abridgea1400

to bate of, from1399

lessa1400

nakena1400

dischargea1425

privatec1425

to bring outa1450

abatec1450

sever?1507

spulyie?1507

denude1513

disable1529

distrain1530

destituec1540

destitutec1540

defalk1541

to turn out of ——1545

discomfit1548

wipe1549

nude1551

disannul?a1556

bereft1557

diminish1559

benoom1563

joint1573

uncase1583

rid1585

disarm1590

visitc1592

ease1600

dispatch1604

unfurnisha1616

rig1629

retrench1640

unbecomea1641

disentail1641

cashier1690

twin1722

mulct1748

fordo1764

to do out of ——1796

to cut out1815

bate1823

deprivate1832

devoid1878

c1450 (a1375) Octavian (Calig.) (1979) l. 1316 He was abated of all hys hete.

a1533 Ld. Berners tr. Arthur of Brytayn (?1560) xxxiii. sig. Fvi That she be not thereby abbated of her noblenesse, and estate.

1608 W. Shakespeare King Lear vii. 317 She hath abated me of halfe my traine.

1637 W. Lisle tr. G. de S. Du Bartas Noe 30 Mens bodies were abated of their bignesse.

1720 Fortunate Shipwreck in Misc. Aurea 103 If a great Dealer employs any under Workman, and abate him of his Price..he can recover his stated price of him.

1864 Blackwood's Mag. Oct. 455/1 We must not abate him of any help that we can give.

b. intransitive. To deduct from, make a reduction in. Obsolete.

ΘΚΠ

the world > relative properties > quantity > decrease or reduction in quantity, amount, or degree > deduction > deduct [verb (intransitive)]

subtray?c1425

abatec1467

detracta1592

substract1637

debate1658

subtract1682

c1467 Plea & Mem. Rolls London Guildhall No. A 88.m.4 The said Thomas shall abate of his said ccc li. after the Rate, like as he shall abate of other sommes of money.

1538 T. Elyot Dict. Deducere, to abate of a somme.

1644 J. Bulwer Chirologia 144 It falls short and abates of the perfection of the thing.

1645 Bp. J. Hall Remedy Discontentm. v. 27 Their fading condition justly abates of their value.

1760 E. McCulloch Let. 13 Nov. in A. J. Durie Brit. Linen Company (1996) 140 The underwriters..have agreed to abate of their premium.

1796 H. Wansey Jrnl. Excursion to U.S. 40 For this and our breakfast, tea, supper and bed, we paid five shillings currency, for they make no separate charges, nor do they abate of their charges, were you to dine out every day.

1810 W. Scott Lady of Lake v. 194 The guide, abating of his pace, Led slowly through the pass's jaws.

1849 H. Melville Mardi I. lvii. 209 I resolved to follow my Mentor's wise counsel; neither arrogating aught, nor abating of just dues.

†9.

a. transitive. With direct and indirect object: to allow (a person) (an amount) by way of reduction, discount, or rebate. Also: to free (a person) of a debt. Obsolete.

ΚΠ

1465 in Manners & Househ. Expenses Eng. (1841) 465 Roberd Thrope lente me l.s...and herof he moste a bate me, xiiij.s.

1535 A. Windsor Let. 7 Mar. in Lisle Papers (P.R.O.: SP 3/8/80) f. 112 Yo^r lordshypp hade nyd to abatyt Twynnam partte of his rent.

1656 R. Sanderson 20 Serm. 292 He therefore sendeth for his Masters debtors forthwith; abateth them of their several sums, and makes the books agree.

1673 J. Flavell Fountain of Life iii. 28 When the payment was making, he will not abate him one farthing.

1715 J. Symson Let. 30 Sept. in Exact & Industrious Tradesman (2002) 335 2 dozen hemp that was sent him the 26th May last..was charged 12d. a dozen dearer than he buys such for here, so abated him 2s.

a1790 B. Franklin Autobiogr. (1981) i. 48 She would abate me two Shillings a Week for the future.

1830 First Lessons & Idiomatic Exercises in Eng. & Tamul 26 He would not abate me one pice.

1862 Ballou's Dollar Monthly Mag. Aug. 138/1 The fellow was so rapacious as to insist upon a crown..and..would not have abated me a single farthing if he had not seen me at the last gasp.

b. intransitive. Of a person, group, etc.: to make or give a reduction; to discount. Obsolete.

ΚΠ

1530 J. Palsgrave Lesclarcissement 420 I alowe or abate upon a reckenyng or accompte made.

1627 J. Rogers Doctr. Faith To Rdr. 14 Like one that should come to a Merchants celler to buy wine..the Merchant will not abate, hee will not rise, so hee goes away without.

1725 D. Defoe Compl. Eng. Tradesman I. xvii. 276 He cannot make a reasonable profit of his goods, if he is obliged to abate.

1755 H. Laurens Let. 16 May in Papers (1968) I. 248 There is the most extrordinary Breakage on the Boxes we ever saw. We were oblig'd to abate on three Boxes only sold to one of our Glaziers 116 paines.

1817 J. Mill Hist. Brit. India II. iv. iv. 134 Lally offered to abate in his pecuniary demand.

1883 H. W. French Our Boys in China xix. 363 The doctor..fought inch by inch over the properties of the drugs and their necessity to the case, crossed out one here and there, and abated on the price of the whole.

10. transitive. To blunt (an edge, point, etc.). Also intransitive: (of an edge, etc.) to become blunt. Frequently (now only) figurative and in figurative contexts. Cf. rebate v.¹ 3. Now rare.In later use, as an established phrase to abate the edge of (something abstract), probably merged in sense 4a, without consciousness of the earlier literal application.

ΘΚΠ

the world > space > shape > bluntness > make blunt [verb (transitive)]

blunta1398

dullc1440

rebate1468

obtusec1487

bate1535

abate1548

turn1560

unedgea1625

retund1691

dead1719

1548 Hall's Vnion: Henry VIII f. cxxxiij^v Suche wepons as the capitain of the Castle shal occupie, that is, Morrice pike, sworde, target, the poynt and edge abated.

1597 W. Shakespeare Richard III v. viii. 35 Abate the edge of traitors gracious Lord.

1613 W. Browne Britannia's Pastorals I. iv. 66 With plaints which might abate a Tyrants knife.

1625 F. Bacon Ess. (new ed.) ix. 46 To abate the Edge of Envy.

1634 T. Heywood Maidenhead Lost xi. 120 The name of Childe Abates my Swords keene edge.

1664 J. Evelyn Sylva To Rdr. sig. A4^v If my Authority did not rescue those Trees from the Ax, sure I am, my Arguments did abate the Edge of it.

1759 S. Fielding Hist. Countess of Dellwyn I. iii. 26 It abated the Edge of his Curiosity for News-papers; and he then fixed himself to read Philosophy and History.

1801 C. B. Brown Clara Howard xxi. 185 A habit of regarding objects on their brightest side..somewhat abated the edge of his own misfortunes.

1862 Proc. Mass. Hist. Soc. 5 447 The longest day was not long enough to slacken his zeal, or abate the edge of his intellectual appetite.

1928 Times 30 June 15/3 Slightly easier conditions in the last year have abated the edge of rural discontent.

1951 C. S. Lewis Prince Caspian xiii. 164 It would not be quite fair to Miraz..to have in sight anything that might abate the edge of his courage.

11. transitive. To except, omit from consideration. Cf. abating prep. Now rare.In quot. 1658 with direct and indirect object.

ΘΚΠ

the world > relative properties > kind or sort > individual character or quality > quality of being exclusive > exclude [verb (transitive)] > except

to take outc1175

out-takec1390

outnima1400

excludec1400

outcepta1470

reserve1523

except1530

exempt1548

to put by1594

abate1598

exemea1600

bate1619

rescinda1687

to tell out1812

to tell out of ——1812

exception1845

1598 W. Shakespeare Love's Labour's Lost v. ii. 539 Abate throw at Nouum, and the whole world againe, Cannot picke out fiue such.

1658 J. Bramhall Consecration Protestant Bishops Justified xi. 226 Abate us Transubstantiation..and we have no difference with them in this particular.

1829 J. Dymond Ess. Princ. Morality II. iii. xix. 400 It is the lowest, the final abjectness of the moral nature. It is this if we abate the glitter of war, and if we add this glitter it is nothing more.

1905 Amer. Jrnl. Theol. 9 149 Read his prayers—than which, if we abate some traces of conscious literary effort, there is scarce anything more exquisite out of Scripture.

1950 J. M. Murray in Fortnightly Dec. 392 If we abate what is extraordinary in Harry's condition [etc.].

†III. To lower, bring down, abase, subdue.

12. transitive. to abate one's countenance (also cheer): to become dispirited or downcast. Obsolete.

ΘΚΠ

the mind > emotion > suffering > dejection > be or become dejected [verb (intransitive)]

heavyOE

fallOE

droopena1225

lourc1290

droopc1330

to abate one's countenance (also cheer)a1350

dullc1374

fainta1375

languora1375

languisha1382

afflicta1393

gloppen?a1400

weary1434

appalc1450

to have one's heart in one's boots (also shoes, heels, hose, etc.)c1450

peak1580

dumpc1585

mopea1592

sink1603

bate1607

deject1644

despond1655

alamort?1705

sadden1718

dismal1780

munge1790

mug1828

to get one's tail down1853

to have (also get) the pip1881

shadow1888

to have (one's) ass in a sling1960

a1350 ( in R. H. Robbins Hist. Poems 14th & 15th Cent. (1959) 17 (MED) In þe batayle..ffrysel wes ytake; ys continaunce abatede eny bost to make.

a1470 T. Malory Morte Darthur (Winch. Coll. 13) (1990) I. 320 Than sir Bewmaynes abated his countenaunce... ‘Fayre sir,’ seyde the damesell, ‘abate nat youre chere for all this syght.’

1599 R. Roche Eustathia To Rdr. And as my musicke was, such was my cheere, My looke vnlusty; countenaunce abated.

1600 Abp. G. Abbot Expos. Prophet Ionah xvii. 367 Who yet hangeth downe his dead [1613 head]: or whose countenance is abated?

13. intransitive. To become lower, bow down; (hence) to be humbled. Obsolete.In quot. c1450: to become downcast (cf. to abate one's countenance at sense 12).

ΘΚΠ

the world > movement > motion in a certain direction > downward motion > causing to come or go down > cause to come or go down [verb (intransitive)] > lower > be lowered in submission or respect

abatea1387

vailc1550

a1387 J. Trevisa tr. R. Higden Polychron. (St. John's Cambr.) (1869) II. 185 In a mannys ȝowþe..the nolle is bolde..But in his elde þe stature boweþ..þe bolde nolle abateþ [L. cervix deprimitur].

c1450 Urbanitatis (Calig. A.ii) in Babees Bk. (2002) i. 14 Lette not þy contynaunce also abate, For good nurtur wylle saue þy state.

a1500 (a1460) Towneley Plays (1994) I. xxi. 257 I myght thole the abate, and knele on thi kne In my present.

1642 D. Rogers Naaman 30 The naturall spirit of the hautiest..will abate and come downe.

14. transitive. To bring down physically, socially, or mentally; to humble, abase. Obsolete.

ΘΚΠ

the mind > emotion > humility > make humble [verb (transitive)]

edmodienc1175

lowc1175

meekc1175

lessa1382

abatec1390

abasea1393

belowc1400

meekenc1400

disadvance?c1425

simplec1450

lowlyc1485

humilea1492

chasten1526

to pare the nails ofa1549

lessen1579

vail1582

to take (something) a hole lower1591

destate1615

humblea1616

thorough-humblea1617

humiliate1656

level1712

unnichea1751

to level up, down1791

unpedestal1821

to take the starch out of1830

the world > movement > motion in a certain direction > downward motion > causing to come or go down > cause to come or go down [verb (transitive)] > bring to the ground/lay low

layc888

afelleOE

to throw downa1250

groundc1275

to lay to ground, to earth (Sc. at eird)c1275

stoopc1275

evena1382

abatec1390

to bring downa1400

falla1400

welt?a1400

throwa1450

tumble1487

succumb1490

strewa1500

vaila1592

flat1607

level1614

floor1642

to fetch down1705

drop1726

supplant1751

c1390 Castle of Love (Vernon) (1967) 1334 (MED) He was a-bated of his tour, ffor Godes Godhede him haþ doun cast In to helle.

c1405 (c1390) G. Chaucer Parson's Tale (Hengwrt) (2003) §117 The heyer that they were in this persent [read present] lyf, the moore shulle they ben abated and defouled in helle.

1557 W. Baldwin & T. Palfreyman Treat. Morall Philos. (new ed.) ii. vi. f. 69 He is to be honoured among them that be honoured, that fortune abateth without fault.

1618 W. Raleigh Remains (1644) 27 If any great person to be abated, not to deal with him by calumniation or forged matter.

1632 A. Harsnett Cordiall for Afflicted 468 It is a meanes of our humiliation, it will take downe our high thoughts, and abate, and abase our lofty spirits.

1652 E. Walsingham tr. E. de Refuge Arcana Aulica xxxii. 123 Neither is this way traced by Courtiers onely, but also by Princes themselves, when they desire to abate or take down any body.

†IV. To bring to the ground.

15. intransitive. Of a horse: to place both hind legs on the ground at the same time when executing a curvet (curvet n.). Obsolete.

ΚΠ

1705 tr. G. Guillet de Saint-Georges Gentleman's Dict. (at cited word) A horse is said to abate or rake down [Fr. rabat]..his Curvets, when working upon Curvets he puts his two Hind-legs to the ground both at once.

1721 N. Bailey Universal Etymol. Eng. Dict. Abate, a Horse is said to Abate, when working upon Curvets, he puts his two hind Legs to the Ground, both at once, and observes the same Exactness at all Times. [Also in later dictionaries.]

This entry has been updated (OED Third Edition, December 2011; most recently modified version published online June 2022).

单词	abate
释义	† abaten. Origin: Formed within English, by conversion. Etymon: abate v.¹ Etymology: < abate v.¹ Compare earlier abatement n.²Apparently formed independently from Middle French, French abat action of slaughtering an animal, the meat of the slaughtered animal, action of felling a tree (all c1400), someone who kills (1463) < abattre abate v.¹ Obsolete. 1. Diminution, reduction (of a quality, etc.); an instance of this.With quot. 1486 cf. abate v.¹ 6c. ΘΚΠ the world > relative properties > quantity > decrease or reduction in quantity, amount, or degree > [noun] waningc900 littlingOE lessingc1350 abating1370 diminutionc1374 minishinga1382 decrease1383 remissiona1398 shrinkinga1398 decreasing1398 adminishing?c1400 abbreviation?a1425 lessening?a1425 minoration?a1425 disincrease1430 abatement1433 restrictiona1450 batea1475 diminuation1477 limitation1483 abate1486 minute1495 minishment1533 mitigation1533 diminishinga1535 extenuation1542 slacking1542 reduce1549 diminishment1551 perditionc1555 debatementa1563 rebatement1573 obstriction1578 imminution1583 contracting1585 contraction1589 rabate1589 rebating1598 retrenchmentc1600 decession1606 ravalling1609 reducement1619 decrement1621 bating1629 shrivellinga1631 decretion1635 dejection1652 abater1653 rolling back1658 limiting1677 batement1679 reduction1695 depression1793 downdraw1813 descent1832 decess1854 lowering1868 shrinkage1873 dégringolade1883 minification1894 degrowth1920 downrating1950 1486 Bk. St. Albans sig. biij Yowre hawke shall be Ensaymed kyndly, and no grete abate to the hawke. 1646 H. Lawrence Of Communion & Warre with Angels sig. 3 The abate of power and strength which sinne had caus'd. 1681 W. Penn in Mem. Hist. Soc. Pennsylvania* (1834) III. 285 There are many things make a man's life uneasie in the world, which are great abates to the pleasure of living. 2. Loss of vigour; weakness, faintness. rare. ΘΚΠ the world > action or operation > inaction > disinclination to act or listlessness > [noun] > lack of vigour or energy > loss of vigour or energy abatec1500 deadening1866 the world > physical sensation > physical sensibility > physical insensibility > unconsciousness > [noun] > fainting or swooning > feeling about to faintc1320 abatec1500 faintness1526 faintingnessa1661 faintiness1683 faintishness1733 c1500 (?a1437) Kingis Quair (1939) xl (MED) For quhich sodayn abate, anon astert The blude of all my body to my hert. 3. Deduction, subtraction; an instance of this. ΘΚΠ the world > relative properties > quantity > decrease or reduction in quantity, amount, or degree > deduction > [noun] defalking1475 deduction1496 defeasance1516 detraction1528 subtraction1534 subduction1555 abating1557 ademption1590 subtracting1611 defalcation1624 retractiona1636 abate1646 deducing1651 dockage1886 1646 Sir T. Browne Pseudodoxia Epidemica iv. vii. 195 Nor will the difference be sensible in the abate of scruples or dragmes. View more context for this quotation a1683 J. Collins Doctr. Decimal Arithmetick (1685) 89 These are the Rates for Leases of Houses of such a time, to wit, 1 l. a year for 21 years..which is a certainty of 12 s. 9 d...per Annum, whereby you have a direction to accord an abate for Casualty. This entry has been updated (OED Third Edition, December 2011; most recently modified version published online December 2020). abatev.¹ Brit. /əˈbeɪt/, U.S. /əˈbeɪt/ Forms: Middle English abatie, Middle English abatye, Middle English–1500s abbate, Middle English– abate, 1500s abayte, 1500s abaytte, 1500s abbayte, 1500s–1600s abaite, 1900s– abait (nonstandard); Scottish pre-1700 abait, pre-1700 abaite, pre-1700 abaite, pre-1700 abaith, pre-1700 abaitt, pre-1700 abayt, pre-1700 abbait, pre-1700 abeat, pre-1700 abeatte, pre-1700 abet, pre-1700 1700s– abate. Origin: A borrowing from French. Etymon: French abattre. Etymology: < Anglo-Norman abater, abatier, Anglo-Norman and Old French, Middle French abatre, Anglo-Norman and Middle French abbatre, Old French, Middle French abattre (French abattre ) to knock down, raze, dismantle (c1100), to cut down, fell (c1155 with reference to people; early 13th cent. or earlier with reference to trees), to overthrow (a king) (c1155), to slay, kill (late 12th cent. or earlier), to curb (power, etc.) (c1200), to remove (currency) from circulation (c1230 or earlier), to reduce, lessen (1256), to conquer (1268 or earlier), to bring down (physically or mentally) (c1270), to ruin (financially), impoverish (c1285 or earlier), (in law) to annul (c1292 or earlier), (in law) to become null (a1293 or earlier), to clip (coins) (13th cent. or earlier), to discontinue (1305 or earlier), to stop, put an end to (a1323 or earlier), to reduce the price or value of something (14th cent. or earlier), to discourage (mid 14th cent.), to suppress (a rebellion) (1407 or earlier) < post-classical Latin abattere to take down (6th cent.), to suppress, to debase a mintage (12th cent., perhaps reflecting vernacular use) < classical Latin ab- ab- prefix + battere (also battuere ) bate v.¹ Compare also post-classical Latin abatare to annul (1513 in a British source). Compare Old Occitan abatre (12th cent.), Catalan abatre (1312), Spanish abatir (early 13th cent.), Portuguese abater (13th cent.), Italian abbattere (late 13th cent.).In sense 15 after French rabattre (of a horse) to execute (a curvet) so that both hind legs come to the ground simultaneously (see rebate v.¹). Compare earlier rebate v.¹ 8. I. To put an end to. †1. transitive. To put an end to (a condition, state of affairs, etc.). Obsolete. ΘΚΠ the world > relative properties > order > order, sequence, or succession > end or conclusion > bring to an end or conclude [verb (transitive)] yendc1000 abatec1300 finec1300 endc1305 finisha1375 definec1384 terminec1390 achievea1393 out-enda1400 terminate?a1425 conclude1430 close1439 to bring adowna1450 terma1475 adetermine1483 determine1483 to knit up1530 do1549 parclose1558 to shut up1575 expire1578 date1589 to close up1592 period1595 includea1616 apostrophate1622 to wind off1650 periodizea1657 dismiss1698 to wind up1740 to put the lid on1873 to put the tin hat on something1900 to wash up1925 c1300 St. Nicholas (Laud) l. 162 in C. Horstmann Early S.-Eng. Legendary (1887) 245 (MED) For-to a-batien is pouwer in alle manere he gan fonde. a1375 (c1350) William of Palerne (1867) l. 1141 (MED) To a-bate þe bost of þat breme duke. a1425 (a1400) Prick of Conscience (Galba & Harl.) (1863) l. 1672 (MED) Ded..abates And chaunges all myghtes and states. c1450 (a1375) Octavian (Calig.) (1979) l. 38 (MED) Þe kyng of Fraunce Myghte abate all þys daunce. a1470 T. Malory Morte Darthur (Winch. Coll. 13) (1990) I. 302 Thou shalt se knyghtes that shall abate thy boste. 1483 ( tr. G. Deguileville Pilgrimage of Soul (Caxton) v. xii. f. ciij^v And fynally abatid is the strif. 1585 Abp. E. Sandys Serm. iv. 67 S. Paul abateth this opinion. 1585 Abp. E. Sandys Serm. xv. 259 To abate the hawtie conceit, which naturally wee haue of our selues. 1671 C. Wase tr. B. Priolo Hist. France iii. 111 She too pretended..that their Tyranny must be abated with Arms, who had put the King upon cruel Counsels. 2. Chiefly Law. a. transitive. To render (a writ or similar document) null or void; to make or declare invalid; to cause to lapse. Also intransitive: (of a writ) to become or be declared null or void; to lapse, expire. Now chiefly historical. ΘΚΠ society > law > rule of law > illegality > render illegal [verb (transitive)] > deprive of legal validity abatea1325 squatcha1325 voida1325 allayc1325 annul1395 reverse1395 revokec1400 rupt?a1425 repealc1425 abroge1427 defeat1429 purloin1461 cassa1464 toll1467 resume1472 reprove1479 suspend1488 discharge1495 reduce1498 cassate1512 defease1512 denulla1513 disannula1513 fordoa1513 avoid1514–5 abrogate?1520 frustrate1528 revert1528 disaffirm?1530 extinct1530 resolve1537 null1538 nihilate1545 extinguish1548 elidec1554 revocate1564 annullate1570 squat1577 skaila1583 irritate1605 retex1606 nullify1607 unable1611 refix1621 vitiate1627 invalid1643 vacate1643 unlaw1644 outlaw1647 invalidate1649 disenact1651 vacuate1654 supersedec1674 destroy1805 break1891 society > law > rule of law > illegality > illegal [verb (intransitive)] > become invalid abatec1523 resolvea1768 a1325 Statutes of Realm (2011) v. 21 So þat for vnage of þe eires..þat te writ ne be noȝt abated ne þe plee delaid. ?a1445 Memorandum conc. E. Beckham in Paston Lett. & Papers (2005) III. 13 And aftyr þe seyd writ a-batyd be þe deth of þe seyd Robert Crane, pletyd on þe morw aftyr Sowlemesse day last pasid [etc.]. c1475 (c1399) Mum & Sothsegger (Cambr. Ll.4.14) (1936) iii. l. 307 (MED) Þey prien affter presentis..And abateth all þe billis of þo þat nouȝth bringith. c1523 J. Rastell Expos. Terminorum Legum Anglorum sig. A3^v Ther be thyngis whiche shall abate a wryt, that is to sey mysnamyng of the pleyntyf or the defendaunt or of the place [etc.]. c1523 J. Rastell Expos. Terminorum Legum Anglorum sig. A3^v Abatement of a wryt or playnt, is whan any accion is brought by wryt or pleynt, and ther lackyth sufficient matter..then the defendaunt shall pray that the wryt shall abate. 1574 J. Baret Aluearie A 17 His accusation or writ is abated or ouerthrowne... When the Attorney by ignoraunce declareth not the processe in due forme, or the writte abateth. 1601 W. Fulbecke Parallele or Conf. Law x. f. 62^v In the summons A. was omitted, wherefore the writte abated. 1622 R. Sanderson Two Serm. Boston ii. 72 And any one short Clause, or Prouiso, not legall, is sufficient to abate the whole writ or instrument. 1694 tr. O. G. de Busbecq Four Epist. conc. Embassy into Turkey iii. 137 The Distance of Place is so great between us, that if I should put in an Exception to your Plea, yet your Writ would hardly abate. 1741 T. Robinson Common Law of Kent vi. 109 The Writ was abated by the Court. 1768 W. Blackstone Comm. Laws Eng. III. 247 The suit is of no effect, and the writ shall abate. 1809 T. E. Tomlins Jacob's Law-dict. (at cited word) To abate a writ is to defeat or overthrow it by shewing some error or exception. 1894 Pennsylvania County Court Rep. XIV. 399 The Supreme Court abated the writ, as was also done where an appeal was pending and a party died. 1921 P. H. Winfield Hist. Conspiracy & Abuse of Legal Proc. (2001) ii. 54 The Court was not advised to abate the writ merely because the peril was not as great in the one case as in the other. 1999 D. J. Ibbetson Hist. Introd. Law of Obligations i. iii. 55 The flooding of the plaintiff's land as a result of the defendant's failure to repair river walls was described as being in breach of the king's peace, and the writ abated in consequence. b. transitive. To cause to cease; to do away with; spec. to terminate or dismiss (a legal proceeding) before completion, esp. as a result of a procedural matter or a change of interest or status of one of the parties. Also intransitive: (of a legal proceeding) to be brought to an end in this way. Now chiefly U.S. ΘΚΠ society > law > administration of justice > court proceedings or procedure > [verb (transitive)] > stay or suspend proceedings abatec1325 to put in suspense1421 stint1491 stay1525 bar1552 sist1635 stop1690 c1325 (c1300) Chron. Robert of Gloucester (Calig.) 9177 (MED) Monye luþer lawes..He bihet þat he wolde abate. a1455 in Cal. Proc. Chancery Queen Elizabeth (1827) I. p. xlviii (MED) Thomas Depeham..relesed to..William Styward..al manere accions personels, wherthurgh the seid accion is clerely abated ageyns the seid William Styward. 1583 Sir T. Smith's De Republica Anglorum ii. xiii. 56 If he once come to denie..that..the euidence which his aduersarie bringeth is not true..or any such like exception which is vaileable to abate the action or barre the partie. 1672 D. F. Statuta Vetera 67 The death or change of the Clerk of the Peace shall not abate the suit. 1673 E. W. Several Remarkable Passages conc. Hollanders 78 William Courten the Executor dyed intestate in Italy, whereby the action abated against Sir Iacob Cats. 1726 J. Ayliffe Parergon Juris Canonici Anglicani 266 This only suspends but does not abate the action. 1738 Defoe's Compl. Eng. Tradesman (ed. 4) I. xvi. 193 Commissions shall not abate by the death of his majesty. 1768 W. Blackstone Comm. Laws Eng. III. 448 There may be also a bill of revivor, when the suit is abated by the death of any of the parties. 1809 T. E. Tomlins Jacob's Law-dict. (at cited word) It is said an appeal shall abate, and be defeated by reason of covin or deceit. 1860 W. N. Massey Hist. Eng. III. xxxi. 437 The Committee of Privileges resolved, that impeachments stood on the same footing as appeals and writs of error; consequently they did not abate [when Parliament was dissolved]. 1895 Supreme Court Reporter (U.S.) 15 737/2 Neither was the action in that court abated, nor was it left as one only between the owners of the Last Chance claim and the government. 1959 Amer. Jrnl. Legal Hist. 245 3 If one of the parties were killed in the battle, the suit would abate and no judgment could be given. 1996 Air Force Law Rev. (U.S.) 39 149 The convening authority refused to order the retest and the military judge abated the proceedings. c. transitive. To put an end to or remove (a nuisance (nuisance n. 2)). Also in extended use. ΚΠ 1647 Reading R. Brook upon Statute of Limitations ii. 43 To enter into the land of the plaintife and to abate the Nusance as often as the plaintife or his auncestours estop such a river de tempore. 1780 E. Burke Speech Oeconomical Reformation 14 They abate the nusance, they pull down the house. 1833 T. De Quincey Cæsars in Blackwood's Edinb. Mag. Jan. 58/1 To put him down, and ‘abate’ him as a monster. 1896 Law Times 100 488/1 To repair the drain so as to abate the nuisance complained of. 1904 Federal Reporter 128 5 In a suit to abate a railroad bridge as a nuisance the Supreme Court held that the value of the right to maintain the bridge..determines the jurisdiction of the court. 1957 Brit. Med. Jrnl. 2 1248/1 If the smoke comes from buildings other than private dwellings, proceedings can be taken before the local magistrates for an order compelling the owner to abate the nuisance. 1994 Amer. Spectator Mar. 86/1 The Riverside County Fire Department had ordered them to ‘abate the flammable vegetation’ on their property. 3. transitive. To knock or tear down (a structure); to destroy, demolish, raze to the ground. Law in later use.Now rare except as merged in sense 2c. ΚΠ ?a1425 (c1400) Mandeville's Trav. (Titus C.xvi) (1919) 63 (MED) Ierusalem hath..ben destroyed & the walles abated & beten doun. tr. Palladius De re Rustica (Duke Humfrey) (1896) ii. l. 5 Hem to desolate Of erthe, and al from euery roote abate. a1500 (c1400) St. Erkenwald (1977) l. 37 (MED) Þen was hit [sc. the temple] abatyd and beten doun, and buggyd efte new. a1513 R. Fabyan New Cronycles Eng. & Fraunce (1516) II. f. cxxiiii^v Y^e gates of Bruges, of Ipre, of Courtray and of other Townes were abated and throwyn downe. 1576 W. Lambarde Perambulation of Kent 162 Bycause it [sc. Apultre] was not of sufficient strength for their defence and conuerture, they abated [it] to the ground. a1612 W. Fowler Tarantula of Love in Wks. (1914) I. 172 The rearding thoundars highest triees abate [v.r. abaite]. 1643 W. Prynne Doome of Cowardize 4 And that night came a great party of them, and by fine force made an assault and abated the Baracadoes. 1676 J. Evelyn Philos. Disc. Earth 55 During the hottest Summer-Months carefully to abate the Weeds..is very necessary. 1749 J. Salthouse Wood's Compl. Body Conveyancing I. vi. 118 It signifies to prostrate, beat down or overthrow, as to abate Castles, Houses, and the like. 1799 Decree 1 Oct. in T. Jefferson Papers (2004) XXXI. 208 The court..order..that the defendents do abate and throw down so much of their already erected dam as raiseth the water in that stream above its natural level. 1809 T. E. Tomlins Jacob's Law-dict. (at cited word) To abate; to prostrate, break down, or destroy. In law to abate a castle or fort is to beat it down. 1864 Wandsw. Br. Act 44 If any work made by the Company in, over, or across the River Thames..be abandoned or suffered to fall into disuse or decay, the Conservators of the River Thames may abate and remove the same. 1906 Lawyers Rep. Annotated New Ser. 1 132/2 The remedy of one whose property is damaged is an action for damages, and not an injunction to abate the structure. II. To lessen, diminish, or reduce. 4. a. transitive. To lessen or reduce in force or intensity; to moderate. Formerly also in passive (with unexpressed agent): †to be reduced in force or intensity (obsolete). ΘΚΠ the world > action or operation > manner of action > lack of violence, severity, or intensity > make less violent or severe [verb (transitive)] temperc1000 keelc1175 slakea1300 abate?c1335 settle1338 swagea1340 modifyc1385 rebatea1398 bate1398 moder1414 releasea1425 remiss?a1425 moderate1435 alethe?1440 delaya1450 appal1470 addulce1477 mollify1496 mean?a1513 relent1535 qualify1536 temperatea1540 aplake1578 slack1589 relaxate1598 milden1603 mitigate1611 relax1612 alleniate1615 allay1628 alloy1634 castigate1653 smoothen1655 tendera1656 mitify1656 meeken1662 remitigate1671 obviscate1684 slacken1685 chastise1704 dulcify1744 absorb1791 demulceate1817 chasten1856 modulate1974 mediate1987 the world > action or operation > manner of action > lack of violence, severity, or intensity > make less violent or severe [verb (transitive)] > mitigate or alleviate lithec897 lighteOE lissea1000 stillc1000 alightOE alithe?a1200 softc1225 swagec1330 abate?c1335 easea1374 accoya1375 allegea1375 stintc1374 slakea1387 assuage1393 planea1400 slecka1400 plasterc1400 soften?c1415 lighten?a1425 mitigate?a1425 relievec1425 asoftc1430 alleviate?a1475 allevya1500 sletcha1500 alleve1544 allevate1570 salve?1577 sweetena1586 smooth1589 disembitter1622 deleniate1623 slaken1629 tranquillitate1657 soothe1711 ?c1335 in W. Heuser Kildare-Gedichte (1904) 170 When eld blowiþ, he is blode [read bolde], his ble is sone abatid. a1387 J. Trevisa tr. R. Higden Polychron. (St. John's Cambr.) (1871) III. 443 (MED) By þat answere Alisaundre abated his wreþe, and put of þe sentence and þe dome. ?a1400 (a1338) R. Mannyng Chron. (Petyt) ii. 269 (MED) His moder Helianore abated þer grete bale. a1425 (a1400) Prick of Conscience (Galba & Harl.) (1863) l. 2840 For na thyng may abate þair pyne. 1534 R. Whittington tr. Cicero Thre Bks. Tullyes Offyces ii. sig. K.7 The greuaunce of heates be acooled and abated. ?1558 T. Hill Most Briefe Treat. Garden vii. D.vii Ye great force of ye sauor [sc. of heads of garlic] wil be wel abated. 1574 A. Golding tr. A. Marlorat Catholike Expos. Reuelation 33 Charitie is lyke fyre, whyche is easyly put oute if it be abated. 1611 Bible (King James) Deut. xxxiv. 7 His eye was not dimme, nor his naturall force abated . View more context for this quotation 1670 I. Walton Life G. Herbert 36 in Lives Lord, abate my great affliction, or increase my patience. 1704 Duke of Marlborough Let. 12 Feb. in H. L. Snyder Marlborough–Godolphin Corr. (1975) I. 261 The wind being something abated, wee put up a little saile and stode for the Glory. 1759 W. Robertson Hist. Scotl. I. ii. 156 She shook the fidelity, or abated the ardour of some. 1779 R. B. Sheridan Let. Mar. (1966) III. 310 The spirit of Englishmen is not exhausted, nor even abated. 1859 J. S. Mill On Liberty ii. 68 To abate the force of these considerations. 1892 S. Baring-Gould In Roar of Sea II. xxxii. 183 Her lack of reciprocation did not abate his passion; it aggravated it. 1956 H. L. Mencken Minority Rep. 115 Their disappointment does not abate their appetite for more. 1996 Star Tribune (Minneapolis) (Nexis) 9 June 1 a McAfee told the family that only time could abate their pain. b. intransitive. To lose force or intensity; to grow less, be moderated. ΘΚΠ the world > action or operation > manner of action > lack of violence, severity, or intensity > become less violent or severe [verb (intransitive)] > lose vigour or intensity swindOE wane1297 forslacka1300 keelc1325 deadc1384 abatea1387 flag1639 to go off1642 subsidea1645 slacken1651 flat1654 lower1699 relax1701 deaden1723 entame1768 sober1825 lighten1827 sletch1847 slow1849 languish1855 bate1860 to slow up1861 to slow down1879 a1387 J. Trevisa tr. R. Higden Polychron. (St. John's Cambr.) (1869) II. 185 In a mannys ȝowþe þe body is þryuynge..But in his elde..myȝt and strengþe abateþ [L. virtus per totum deficit]. a1393 J. Gower Confessio Amantis (Fairf.) ii. l. 809 (MED) His lust began tabate. ?a1450 ( J. Lydgate Serpent of Division (McClean) (1911) 55 (MED) Þe prosperite of Rome muste abate and drawe to declyne. c1540 (?a1400) Gest Historiale Destr. Troy 4665 The se wex sober..The bremnes abatid; blusshit the sun. 1579 E. Spenser Shepheardes Cal. Mar. 8 Winters wrath beginnes to quell [gloss. to abate]. 1600 W. Shakespeare Henry V iv. iv. 46 My fury shall abate, And I the Crownes will take. 1697 J. Dryden tr. Virgil Georgics i, in tr. Virgil Wks. 63 When Winter's rage abates, when chearful Hours Awake the Spring. View more context for this quotation 1720 D. Defoe Life Capt. Singleton 271 Towards Morning..the Wind abated a little. 1837 T. Carlyle French Revol. I. vi. iii. 322 This conflagration of the South-East will abate. 1869 Echo Oct. 9 The Foot and Mouth Disease which has been raging with some virulence is now beginning to abate. 1909 Chatterbox 132/2 On the Thursday, when the storm had abated, the Delight (the flag or ‘admiral’ ship) hailed her consorts. 1952 R. C. Hutchison Recoll. Journey (1983) ix. 193 The intensity of cold abates. 2009 Sydney Morning Herald (Nexis) 13 June (Sport) 4 Janiak..bought a horse for $980. It won him six races, sparking a three decades-long passion yet to abate. 5. a. transitive. To reduce in value, price, or estimation. ΚΠ 1340 Ayenbite (1866) 28 (MED) Vor þet guode los to abatye..þe enuious agrayþeþ alle his gynnes. a1425 (?a1400) G. Chaucer Romaunt Rose (Hunterian) (1891) l. 286 And if he were so hende and wis That she ne myght al abate his pris Yit wolde she blame his worthynesse. 1429–30 Rolls of Parl.: Henry VI (Electronic ed.) Parl. Sept. 1429 §63. m. 2 Wherfore like it þe kyng..þat þaire licences mowe be repelled, in hinderyng of his custumes..and abatyng þe price of commodite of his roiaume. a1475 J. Fortescue Governance of Eng. (Laud) (1885) 148 How þe prises off marchaundise growen in this lande mey be holde vp and encressed, and the prises off merchandyses browght in to this lande abatid. 1548 Hall's Vnion: Henry IV f. clxxiiij At length thei were fain..to abate the price. 1670 R. Coke Disc. Trade 33 If the Importation of Irish Cattel had abated the Rents of England one half. 1747 H. Purefoy Let. 25 Oct. (1931) I. i. 13 If you send your wife anything that wee don't know of her allowance from y^e Parish is not at all abated for it. 1752 Scots Mag. Feb. 403 A table, shewing how much is to be abated of rent,..salaries, etc. when the term of payment is anticipated. 1823 Edinb. Rev. Feb. 22 Abatement is also made for the rent of any supernumerary houses upon the estate... The rents of mills and ferries are also abated. 1869 ‘M. Twain’ Let. (1992) III. 436 They had the cheek to ask me to abate my price. 1930 Times 24 Jan. 9/6 To abate the price of export to the foreigner by placing the whole burden on the home consumers. 1997 Daily Tel. 18 Dec. 5/5 About 150 staff who are paid from the Civil List or grant-in-aid have their salaries abated in lieu of rent for their accommodation. b. intransitive. To fall or be reduced in value or price; spec. (Law) (of a legacy) to be reduced, esp. when an estate is insufficient to cover all the bequests made in the deceased's will. ΚΠ 1705 tr. Hist. Republick of Holland II. vii. 114 The price abates to the Sum that was last bid. 1727 D. Defoe Compl. Eng. Tradesman II. i. iv. 127 As..Wages abate to the Poor, Provisions must abate in the Market, and Rents must sink, and abate to the Landlords. 1768 W. Blackstone Comm. Laws Eng. II. 512 And in case of a deficiency of assets, all the general legacies must abate proportionably, in order to pay the debts. 1804 Times 1 Mar. 4/1 It must have a great tendency to increase the price of recruits. Where and when had that price abated? 1846 J. P. Holcombe Introd. Equity Jurispr. xxxi. 222 Charitable legacies shall abate in proportion as pecuniary legacies. 1877 Rep. Admin. Land Revenue Assam i. 5 Revenue abated during the year on account of certain lands taken up in previous years for the purpose of widening certain public roads. 1938 Columbia Law Rev. 38 1314 The remainderman denies that his legacy abates to pay them, insisting that his is a preferred legacy for which general legacies must abate. 1951 Univ. Pennsylvania Law Rev. 99 1190 There are dicta indicating that demonstrative legacies will abate with specific legacies regardless of whether the fund designated is sufficient to cover them. 2008 Press & Jrnl. (Aberdeen) (Nexis) 2 Dec. 3 Galbraith's rural practice head Wattie Barbour said..soaring rural property values had abated. 6. a. transitive. To reduce in size, amount, or quantity; to make smaller. ΘΚΠ the world > relative properties > quantity > decrease or reduction in quantity, amount, or degree > reduce in quantity, amount, or degree [verb (transitive)] littleeOE anitherOE wanzelOE lessc1225 slakea1300 littenc1300 aslakec1314 adminisha1325 allayc1330 settle1338 low1340 minisha1382 reprovea1382 abatea1398 rebatea1398 subtlea1398 alaskia1400 forlyten?a1400 imminish14.. lessenc1410 diminish1417 repress?a1425 assuagec1430 scarcec1440 small1440 underslakec1440 alessa1450 debate?c1450 batec1460 decreasec1470 appetisse1474 alow1494 mince1499 perswage?1504 remita1513 inless?1521 attenuate1530 weaken1530 defray1532 mitigate1532 minorate1534 narrow?1548 diminuec1550 extenuate1555 amain1578 exolve1578 base1581 dejecta1586 amoinder1588 faint1598 qualify1604 contract1605 to pull down1607 shrivel1609 to take down1610 disaugment1611 impoverish1611 shrink1628 decoct1629 persway1631 unflame1635 straiten1645 depress1647 reduce1649 detract1654 minuate1657 alloy1661 lower?1662 sinka1684 retreat1690 nip1785 to drive down1840 minify1866 to knock down1867 to damp down1869 scale1887 mute1891 clip1938 to roll back1942 to cut back1943 downscale1945 downrate1958 slim1963 downshift1972 a1398 J. Trevisa tr. Bartholomaeus Anglicus De Proprietatibus Rerum (BL Add. 27944) (1975) II. xvii. lxxviii. 970 [Gutta] abatiþ alle swellyng and bolnynge [no direct equivalent in L. original]. c1475 Bk. Marchalsi (Trin. Cambr.) f. 73 (MED) Thou mayste abate the veynes with þe same licour. 1556 Acts Privy Council Irel. (1897) 23 They [sc. beef carcases] may for store be putt in salte, considering that after tyme they will fall and abate their flesh. 1570 H. Billingsley tr. Euclid Elements Geom. xii. f. 380 Which it will the more aptly doo, if ye do abate slauntingly, the contrary arasses of the slitt of it. 1617 J. Woodall Surgions Mate 17 Small Files are used..to abate any end of a bone..which is fractured. 1686 N. Cox Gentleman's Recreation (ed. 3) v. iii. 30 The Coldness of the Night (which is an Enemy to the Horse) abates as much Flesh and Lust as he getteth in the Day. 1707 J. Mortimer Whole Art Husbandry 395 If your Trees grow too top heavy, you must abate the Head to lighten them. 1729 J. B. tr. A. Belloste Hosp. Surgeon Vol. II 40 The Thigh and Leg were less pained, and their Size was somewhat abated. 1823 W. Scott Peveril III. iv. 100 A lucky accident had abated Chiffinch's party to their own number. 1865 Trans. National Assoc. Promotion Social Sci. 1864 413 King Edward's Sangrados were content to abate the number of our pauperized benefices: their poverty was bequeathed to posterity. 1905 C. Cox Canterbury iii. 77 In 1497 Henry VII..abated the number of the common council from thirty-six to twenty-four. 2007 L. Klajn Past in Present Times i. 4 They still had to resolve a more important question—whether Austro-Hungary was to be destroyed, broken up, or just abated in size. b. intransitive. To decrease in size, amount, or quantity; to become smaller.Esp. with reference to water, frequently with some implication of reduced force: cf. sense 4b. ΘΚΠ the world > relative properties > quantity > decrease or reduction in quantity, amount, or degree > decrease in quantity, amount, or degree [verb (intransitive)] littleOE setc1000 wanzec1175 lessc1225 allayc1275 wane1297 slaken1303 disincreasec1374 slakec1380 decrease1382 debatea1400 unwaxa1400 wastea1400 adminishc1400 lessenc1400 imminish14.. aslakec1405 minish?a1425 assuagec1430 shrinkc1449 to let down1486 decay1489 diminish1520 fall1523 rebate1540 batea1542 to come down1548 abate1560 stoop1572 pine1580 slack1580 scanten1585 shrivel1588 decrew1596 remit1629 contract1648 subside1680 lower1697 relax1701 drop1730 to take off1776 to run down1792 reduce1798 recede1810 to run off1816 to go down1823 attenuatea1834 ease1876 downscale1945 1560 Bible (Geneva) Gen. viii. 3 The waters returned from aboue the earth, going and returning: and after the end of the hundreth and fiftieth day the waters abated [Hebrew wayyaḥsĕrū, L. coeperunt minui]. 1587 Sir P. Sidney & A. Golding tr. P. de Mornay Trewnesse Christian Relig. xiv. 239 The more that the body abateth in flesh, the more woorkfull is the mynd. 1661 T. Salusbury tr. B. Castellus Mensuration Running Waters iii. 94 in Math. Coll. & Transl. I By the trampling of Cattle which pass thorow the Draining River, the waters abate so notably, that it is as it were a miracle for those Reeds, Flags, and Weeds that spring up. 1673 R. Almond Eng. Horsman xxv. 255 Seeing the swelling thus begin to abate and come down. 1727 E. Calamy Contin. Acct. Ministers I. 33 In the second Week the Number [of deaths] abated to six thousand five hundred and forty-four. 1748 G. Washington Diary 20 Mar. (1976) 12 Finding the River not much abated we..Swam our horses over. 1814 R. Southey Carmen Triumph. xviii Then when the waters of the flood abate The Dove her resting-place secure may find. 1834 London Med. & Surg. Jrnl. 4 219/2 On pressing the femoral artery high up, near Poupart's ligament, the aneurismal tumour abated. 1921 Amer. Gas Engin. Jrnl. 8 Jan. 44/3 There were quite a number of cases a year ago, but the number abated for a while. 1999 Backpacker May 67/2 We implore them not to attempt it until the volume [of water] abates. †c. transitive. Falconry. To cause (a hawk, etc.) to become lean. Also intransitive: (of a hawk, etc.) to become lean. Obsolete. ΚΠ 1575 G. Turberville Bk. Faulconrie 96 This is done somewhat to abate a Hawke and to enseame hir. 1575 G. Turberville Bk. Faulconrie 135 You shall keepe hir alwayes in best plighte, and leaste daunger to abate. 1688 R. Holme Acad. Armory ii. xi. 238 Abate, is to lose their Flesh, go lean, become poor. †7. transitive. To remove or take away (a part or portion of a whole); to deduct, subtract. Chiefly with of, out of, from, etc. Obsolete. ΘΚΠ the world > relative properties > quantity > decrease or reduction in quantity, amount, or degree > deduction > deduct [verb (transitive)] abatec1400 rebate1425 batec1440 minishc1483 diminish?1504 detract1509 detray1509 deduct1524 defalkc1540 defalcate1541 subtray1549 derogate1561 discount1561 deduce?1566 substract1592 to strike off1597 reduct1600 subtract1610 subduct1716 to knock off1811 dock1891 shave1961 minus1963 c1400 ( G. Chaucer Treat. Astrolabe (Cambr. Dd.3.53) (1872) ii. §25. 34 Abate thanne thees degrees And minutes owt of 90; so leueth there 51 degrees. ?c1400 in J. O. Halliwell Rara Mathematica (1839) 60 (MED) Abate þe lesse nonmbre [read noumbre]..fro þe more..abate þe heght of þe hille fro al þat remenant. 1418 in R. W. Chambers & M. Daunt Bk. London Eng. (1931) 200 (MED) Theroff was abatyd For Gobettes..ij c v. lb. 1475 in C. L. Kingsford Stonor Lett. & Papers (1919) I. 163 (MED) The said William..shall deducte in his own handes and þerof abate þe sommes underwriten. 1483 ( tr. G. Deguileville Pilgrimage of Soul (Caxton) iv. viii. f. lxij He nele noo thynge abaten of the prys. 1551 R. Record Pathway to Knowl. ii. Introd. And if you abate euen portions from things that are equal, those partes that remain shall be equall also. 1570 J. Dee in H. Billingsley tr. Euclid Elements Geom. Math. Præf. sig. iiij If from 4. ye abate 1. there resteth 3. 1609 in J. Farmiloe & R. Nixseaman Elizabethan Churchwardens' Accts.* (1953) 58 We abated for the old clapper which wayd 62lb. 1d a pound 5s. 2d. 1679–88 in J. Y. Akerman Moneys Secret Services Charles II & James II (1851) 126 To be abated out of the moneys that are or shall be due to him for work. 1725 D. Defoe Compl. Eng. Tradesman I. xvii. 276 Rather than abate a farthing of the price they had ask'd. 1737 Compl. Family-piece (ed. 2) i. ii. 192 Take..9 Eggs, abating 4 Whites. 1810 Ld. Byron Let. 3 Oct. (1973) II. 19 I do recommend him..to abate three and sixpence in the price of his next boke. 1866 J. E. T. Rogers Hist. Agric. & Prices I. xx. 506 The merchant abating something of his morning price. 1881 ‘M. Twain’ Prince & Pauper xxiii. 73 Three shillings and eightpence, your worship—I could not abate a penny and set forth the value honestly. †8. With of. a. transitive. To deprive of. Obsolete. ΘΚΠ the mind > possession > loss > taking away > take away [verb (transitive)] > deprive (of) benimc890 to do of ——eOE bedealc1000 disturbc1230 bereavec1275 reave?a1300 acquitc1300 benemec1300 deprivec1330 privea1382 subvertc1384 oppressc1395 abridgea1400 to bate of, from1399 lessa1400 nakena1400 dischargea1425 privatec1425 to bring outa1450 abatec1450 sever?1507 spulyie?1507 denude1513 disable1529 distrain1530 destituec1540 destitutec1540 defalk1541 to turn out of ——1545 discomfit1548 wipe1549 nude1551 disannul?a1556 bereft1557 diminish1559 benoom1563 joint1573 uncase1583 rid1585 disarm1590 visitc1592 ease1600 dispatch1604 unfurnisha1616 rig1629 retrench1640 unbecomea1641 disentail1641 cashier1690 twin1722 mulct1748 fordo1764 to do out of ——1796 to cut out1815 bate1823 deprivate1832 devoid1878 c1450 (a1375) Octavian (Calig.) (1979) l. 1316 He was abated of all hys hete. a1533 Ld. Berners tr. Arthur of Brytayn (?1560) xxxiii. sig. Fvi That she be not thereby abbated of her noblenesse, and estate. 1608 W. Shakespeare King Lear vii. 317 She hath abated me of halfe my traine. View more context for this quotation 1637 W. Lisle tr. G. de S. Du Bartas Noe 30 Mens bodies were abated of their bignesse. 1720 Fortunate Shipwreck in Misc. Aurea 103 If a great Dealer employs any under Workman, and abate him of his Price..he can recover his stated price of him. 1864 Blackwood's Mag. Oct. 455/1 We must not abate him of any help that we can give. b. intransitive. To deduct from, make a reduction in. Obsolete. ΘΚΠ the world > relative properties > quantity > decrease or reduction in quantity, amount, or degree > deduction > deduct [verb (intransitive)] subtray?c1425 abatec1467 detracta1592 substract1637 debate1658 subtract1682 c1467 Plea & Mem. Rolls London Guildhall No. A 88.m.4 The said Thomas shall abate of his said ccc li. after the Rate, like as he shall abate of other sommes of money. 1538 T. Elyot Dict. Deducere, to abate of a somme. 1644 J. Bulwer Chirologia 144 It falls short and abates of the perfection of the thing. 1645 Bp. J. Hall Remedy Discontentm. v. 27 Their fading condition justly abates of their value. 1760 E. McCulloch Let. 13 Nov. in A. J. Durie Brit. Linen Company (1996) 140 The underwriters..have agreed to abate of their premium. 1796 H. Wansey Jrnl. Excursion to U.S. 40 For this and our breakfast, tea, supper and bed, we paid five shillings currency, for they make no separate charges, nor do they abate of their charges, were you to dine out every day. 1810 W. Scott Lady of Lake v. 194 The guide, abating of his pace, Led slowly through the pass's jaws. 1849 H. Melville Mardi I. lvii. 209 I resolved to follow my Mentor's wise counsel; neither arrogating aught, nor abating of just dues. †9. a. transitive. With direct and indirect object: to allow (a person) (an amount) by way of reduction, discount, or rebate. Also: to free (a person) of a debt. Obsolete. ΚΠ 1465 in Manners & Househ. Expenses Eng. (1841) 465 Roberd Thrope lente me l.s...and herof he moste a bate me, xiiij.s. 1535 A. Windsor Let. 7 Mar. in Lisle Papers (P.R.O.: SP 3/8/80) f. 112 Yo^r lordshypp hade nyd to abatyt Twynnam partte of his rent. 1656 R. Sanderson 20 Serm. 292 He therefore sendeth for his Masters debtors forthwith; abateth them of their several sums, and makes the books agree. 1673 J. Flavell Fountain of Life iii. 28 When the payment was making, he will not abate him one farthing. 1715 J. Symson Let. 30 Sept. in Exact & Industrious Tradesman (2002) 335 2 dozen hemp that was sent him the 26th May last..was charged 12d. a dozen dearer than he buys such for here, so abated him 2s. a1790 B. Franklin Autobiogr. (1981) i. 48 She would abate me two Shillings a Week for the future. 1830 First Lessons & Idiomatic Exercises in Eng. & Tamul 26 He would not abate me one pice. 1862 Ballou's Dollar Monthly Mag. Aug. 138/1 The fellow was so rapacious as to insist upon a crown..and..would not have abated me a single farthing if he had not seen me at the last gasp. b. intransitive. Of a person, group, etc.: to make or give a reduction; to discount. Obsolete. ΚΠ 1530 J. Palsgrave Lesclarcissement 420 I alowe or abate upon a reckenyng or accompte made. 1627 J. Rogers Doctr. Faith To Rdr. 14 Like one that should come to a Merchants celler to buy wine..the Merchant will not abate, hee will not rise, so hee goes away without. 1725 D. Defoe Compl. Eng. Tradesman I. xvii. 276 He cannot make a reasonable profit of his goods, if he is obliged to abate. 1755 H. Laurens Let. 16 May in Papers (1968) I. 248 There is the most extrordinary Breakage on the Boxes we ever saw. We were oblig'd to abate on three Boxes only sold to one of our Glaziers 116 paines. 1817 J. Mill Hist. Brit. India II. iv. iv. 134 Lally offered to abate in his pecuniary demand. 1883 H. W. French Our Boys in China xix. 363 The doctor..fought inch by inch over the properties of the drugs and their necessity to the case, crossed out one here and there, and abated on the price of the whole. 10. transitive. To blunt (an edge, point, etc.). Also intransitive: (of an edge, etc.) to become blunt. Frequently (now only) figurative and in figurative contexts. Cf. rebate v.¹ 3. Now rare.In later use, as an established phrase to abate the edge of (something abstract), probably merged in sense 4a, without consciousness of the earlier literal application. ΘΚΠ the world > space > shape > bluntness > make blunt [verb (transitive)] blunta1398 dullc1440 rebate1468 obtusec1487 bate1535 abate1548 turn1560 unedgea1625 retund1691 dead1719 1548 Hall's Vnion: Henry VIII f. cxxxiij^v Suche wepons as the capitain of the Castle shal occupie, that is, Morrice pike, sworde, target, the poynt and edge abated. 1597 W. Shakespeare Richard III v. viii. 35 Abate the edge of traitors gracious Lord. View more context for this quotation 1613 W. Browne Britannia's Pastorals I. iv. 66 With plaints which might abate a Tyrants knife. 1625 F. Bacon Ess. (new ed.) ix. 46 To abate the Edge of Envy. 1634 T. Heywood Maidenhead Lost xi. 120 The name of Childe Abates my Swords keene edge. 1664 J. Evelyn Sylva To Rdr. sig. A4^v If my Authority did not rescue those Trees from the Ax, sure I am, my Arguments did abate the Edge of it. 1759 S. Fielding Hist. Countess of Dellwyn I. iii. 26 It abated the Edge of his Curiosity for News-papers; and he then fixed himself to read Philosophy and History. 1801 C. B. Brown Clara Howard xxi. 185 A habit of regarding objects on their brightest side..somewhat abated the edge of his own misfortunes. 1862 Proc. Mass. Hist. Soc. 5 447 The longest day was not long enough to slacken his zeal, or abate the edge of his intellectual appetite. 1928 Times 30 June 15/3 Slightly easier conditions in the last year have abated the edge of rural discontent. 1951 C. S. Lewis Prince Caspian xiii. 164 It would not be quite fair to Miraz..to have in sight anything that might abate the edge of his courage. 11. transitive. To except, omit from consideration. Cf. abating prep. Now rare.In quot. 1658 with direct and indirect object. ΘΚΠ the world > relative properties > kind or sort > individual character or quality > quality of being exclusive > exclude [verb (transitive)] > except to take outc1175 out-takec1390 outnima1400 excludec1400 outcepta1470 reserve1523 except1530 exempt1548 to put by1594 abate1598 exemea1600 bate1619 rescinda1687 to tell out1812 to tell out of ——1812 exception1845 1598 W. Shakespeare Love's Labour's Lost v. ii. 539 Abate throw at Nouum, and the whole world againe, Cannot picke out fiue such. View more context for this quotation 1658 J. Bramhall Consecration Protestant Bishops Justified xi. 226 Abate us Transubstantiation..and we have no difference with them in this particular. 1829 J. Dymond Ess. Princ. Morality II. iii. xix. 400 It is the lowest, the final abjectness of the moral nature. It is this if we abate the glitter of war, and if we add this glitter it is nothing more. 1905 Amer. Jrnl. Theol. 9 149 Read his prayers—than which, if we abate some traces of conscious literary effort, there is scarce anything more exquisite out of Scripture. 1950 J. M. Murray in Fortnightly Dec. 392 If we abate what is extraordinary in Harry's condition [etc.]. †III. To lower, bring down, abase, subdue. 12. transitive. to abate one's countenance (also cheer): to become dispirited or downcast. Obsolete. ΘΚΠ the mind > emotion > suffering > dejection > be or become dejected [verb (intransitive)] heavyOE fallOE droopena1225 lourc1290 droopc1330 to abate one's countenance (also cheer)a1350 dullc1374 fainta1375 languora1375 languisha1382 afflicta1393 gloppen?a1400 weary1434 appalc1450 to have one's heart in one's boots (also shoes, heels, hose, etc.)c1450 peak1580 dumpc1585 mopea1592 sink1603 bate1607 deject1644 despond1655 alamort?1705 sadden1718 dismal1780 munge1790 mug1828 to get one's tail down1853 to have (also get) the pip1881 shadow1888 to have (one's) ass in a sling1960 a1350 ( in R. H. Robbins Hist. Poems 14th & 15th Cent. (1959) 17 (MED) In þe batayle..ffrysel wes ytake; ys continaunce abatede eny bost to make. a1470 T. Malory Morte Darthur (Winch. Coll. 13) (1990) I. 320 Than sir Bewmaynes abated his countenaunce... ‘Fayre sir,’ seyde the damesell, ‘abate nat youre chere for all this syght.’ 1599 R. Roche Eustathia To Rdr. And as my musicke was, such was my cheere, My looke vnlusty; countenaunce abated. 1600 Abp. G. Abbot Expos. Prophet Ionah xvii. 367 Who yet hangeth downe his dead [1613 head]: or whose countenance is abated? 13. intransitive. To become lower, bow down; (hence) to be humbled. Obsolete.In quot. c1450: to become downcast (cf. to abate one's countenance at sense 12). ΘΚΠ the world > movement > motion in a certain direction > downward motion > causing to come or go down > cause to come or go down [verb (intransitive)] > lower > be lowered in submission or respect abatea1387 vailc1550 a1387 J. Trevisa tr. R. Higden Polychron. (St. John's Cambr.) (1869) II. 185 In a mannys ȝowþe..the nolle is bolde..But in his elde þe stature boweþ..þe bolde nolle abateþ [L. cervix deprimitur]. c1450 Urbanitatis (Calig. A.ii) in Babees Bk. (2002) i. 14 Lette not þy contynaunce also abate, For good nurtur wylle saue þy state. a1500 (a1460) Towneley Plays (1994) I. xxi. 257 I myght thole the abate, and knele on thi kne In my present. 1642 D. Rogers Naaman 30 The naturall spirit of the hautiest..will abate and come downe. 14. transitive. To bring down physically, socially, or mentally; to humble, abase. Obsolete. ΘΚΠ the mind > emotion > humility > make humble [verb (transitive)] edmodienc1175 lowc1175 meekc1175 lessa1382 abatec1390 abasea1393 belowc1400 meekenc1400 disadvance?c1425 simplec1450 lowlyc1485 humilea1492 chasten1526 to pare the nails ofa1549 lessen1579 vail1582 to take (something) a hole lower1591 destate1615 humblea1616 thorough-humblea1617 humiliate1656 level1712 unnichea1751 to level up, down1791 unpedestal1821 to take the starch out of1830 the world > movement > motion in a certain direction > downward motion > causing to come or go down > cause to come or go down [verb (transitive)] > bring to the ground/lay low layc888 afelleOE to throw downa1250 groundc1275 to lay to ground, to earth (Sc. at eird)c1275 stoopc1275 evena1382 abatec1390 to bring downa1400 falla1400 welt?a1400 throwa1450 tumble1487 succumb1490 strewa1500 vaila1592 flat1607 level1614 floor1642 to fetch down1705 drop1726 supplant1751 c1390 Castle of Love (Vernon) (1967) 1334 (MED) He was a-bated of his tour, ffor Godes Godhede him haþ doun cast In to helle. c1405 (c1390) G. Chaucer Parson's Tale (Hengwrt) (2003) §117 The heyer that they were in this persent [read present] lyf, the moore shulle they ben abated and defouled in helle. 1557 W. Baldwin & T. Palfreyman Treat. Morall Philos. (new ed.) ii. vi. f. 69 He is to be honoured among them that be honoured, that fortune abateth without fault. 1618 W. Raleigh Remains (1644) 27 If any great person to be abated, not to deal with him by calumniation or forged matter. 1632 A. Harsnett Cordiall for Afflicted 468 It is a meanes of our humiliation, it will take downe our high thoughts, and abate, and abase our lofty spirits. 1652 E. Walsingham tr. E. de Refuge Arcana Aulica xxxii. 123 Neither is this way traced by Courtiers onely, but also by Princes themselves, when they desire to abate or take down any body. †IV. To bring to the ground. 15. intransitive. Of a horse: to place both hind legs on the ground at the same time when executing a curvet (curvet n.). Obsolete. ΚΠ 1705 tr. G. Guillet de Saint-Georges Gentleman's Dict. (at cited word) A horse is said to abate or rake down [Fr. rabat]..his Curvets, when working upon Curvets he puts his two Hind-legs to the ground both at once. 1721 N. Bailey Universal Etymol. Eng. Dict. Abate, a Horse is said to Abate, when working upon Curvets, he puts his two hind Legs to the Ground, both at once, and observes the same Exactness at all Times. [Also in later dictionaries.] This entry has been updated (OED Third Edition, December 2011; most recently modified version published online June 2022). abatev.² Brit. /əˈbeɪt/, U.S. /əˈbeɪt/ Origin: A borrowing from French. Etymon: French abatre. Etymology: < Anglo-Norman abatre, reflexive (a1292 in the passage translated in quot. 1865¹ at sense 1), apparently originally an alteration (after abatre abate v.¹) of Anglo-Norman and Middle French enbatre , embatre , reflexive (a1292 in Anglo-Norman in this sense in the passage translated in quot. 1865² at sense 1; earlier in senses (transitive) ‘to drive (into)’ (first half of the 12th cent. or earlier), (reflexive) to rush (into) (early 13th cent. or earlier)) < en- en- prefix¹ + batre bate v.¹ Compare post-classical Latin abatare (1539).Anglo-Norman enbatre and abatre were frequently used interchangeably in legal documents in this sense (compare the uses from Britton cited at quots. 1865² and 1865¹) and probably taken to be the same word as abatre abate v.¹ (compare conversely enbatre to knock down, level (a1377), apparently perceived to be a variant of abatre abate v.¹). It is likely that the English word was also identified with abate v.¹ Law. Now rare (historical in later use). 1. transitive (reflexive). To take possession of land between the death of the owner and the accession of the heir, thereby keeping the legitimate heir out of possession.In later use chiefly in translations and paraphrases of Anglo-Norman documents. ΘΚΠ society > law > rule of law > lawlessness > specific offences > [verb (reflexive)] > wrongfully seize between death and accession abatec1436 c1436 Domesday Ipswich (BL Add. 25011) in T. Twiss Black Bk. Admiralty (1873) II. 45 Ȝif [printed zif] eny man abate hym be dissesyn in fre tenement in the forseyd toune the mene tyme that he that is dissesyd be in prisone [etc.]. 1865 F. M. Nichols tr. Britton I. ii. xx. 336 He by his own force abated himself into the tenement [Fr. se abaty en cel tenement]. 1865 F. M. Nichols tr. Britton II. iii. i. §2 2 Because a person that has no right may immediately after the death of any one abate himself into the inheritance of the right heir, and keep out the heir and chief lord of the fee [Fr. sei enbatre en le heritage]. 1903 F. W. Maitland Year Bks. Edward II. I. 141 Nicholas afterwards came and abated himself in these tenements [Fr. Nichol vint pus et se abati]. 2. intransitive in same sense. Frequently with in, into, upon. ΘΚΠ society > law > rule of law > lawlessness > specific offences > [verb (intransitive)] > invade rights or damage > seize between death and legal accession abate1484 1484 Rolls of Parl.: Richard III (Electronic ed.) Parl. Jan. 1484 §11. m. 12 Thomas Arundell knyght in to the seid lordshipes, maners and other premisses abated, and therof was seased. c1523 J. Rastell Expos. Terminorum Legum Anglorum sig. B5 Cosinage is a writte & it lyeth where my gret Graundfader..or other Cosyn dyeth seisyd in fee symple & a straunger abatith that is to sey enterith in to the landis than I shall haue agaynste hym thys wryt. 1642 tr. J. Perkins Profitable Bk. v. §325. 144 If a man seised of three acres in fee, taketh a wife and dyeth, and a stranger abate in one of the acres. 1736 M. Bacon New Abridgm. Law II. 40 The Law cannot make that charitable Construction here, that he entred to preserve the Estate from Strangers that might have abated upon the Estate, since the Son himself is a Stranger, and could not inherit. 1824 N. Dane Gen. Abridgement Amer. Law IV. cxxxii. 729 If the father die seized, and a stranger abates, and the younger son enters on him and dies seized, after a descent from him, the elder son cannot enter. 1910 J. R. Rood Decisions Law of Estates in Land (ed. 2) vi. 206 If one devise his lands to his executors so that the freehold is in them by the devise, and afterwards the heir of the devisor abate and die seized and his heir is in by descent, in this case the executors may not oust him that is in by descent. This entry has been updated (OED Third Edition, December 2011; most recently modified version published online December 2021). † abatev.³ Origin: Apparently a borrowing from French. Etymon: French esbattre. Etymology: Apparently < Middle French esbattre (of a hawk, etc.) to flap with the wings in order to escape (a1377; earlier in Old French in sense ‘to distract oneself’; French ébattre ; < es- ex- prefix¹ + battre bate v.¹), with remodelling of the prefix after abate v.¹ Compare Anglo-Norman abatement , alteration (after abatre abate v.¹, or with prefix substitution: see a- a- prefix⁵) of esbatement action of flapping the wings (both late 13th cent. in corresponding passages of two versions of the same text). Compare earlier bate v.¹ 2 and also rebate v.¹ 4. Falconry. Obsolete. intransitive. Of a falcon, hawk, etc.: to beat or flap the wings, to flutter. Cf. bate v.¹ ΘΚΠ the world > animals > birds > flight > [verb (intransitive)] > flap or flutter fluttera1000 flickerc1000 bate1398 fanc1400 flackerc1400 abatea1475 flack1567 bat1614 beata1616 flusker1660 flop1692 flap1776 flick1853 a1475 Dis. Hawk (Harl. 2340) f. 27, in Middle Eng. Dict. at Abaten When þu puttist vp A pertrych, þofe þi hawke A bate, holde fast. a1475 Bk. Hawking in T. Wright & J. O. Halliwell Reliquiæ Antiquæ (1845) I. 297 (MED) If that she [sc. the hawk] abate, lete her fle. a1500 Eng. Conquest Ireland (Rawl.) (1896) 57 (MED) The goshauke Saw the faucon, and abated to hym forto smyte. a1544 R. Barlow tr. M. Fernández de Enciso Brief Summe Geogr. (1932) 149 As the forseid fysshes flieth above water thes foulys abate on them, and of them maketh ther praie. This entry has been updated (OED Third Edition, December 2011; most recently modified version published online December 2021). < n.1486v.¹c1300v.²c1436v.³a1475
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† abaten.

abatev.1

abatev.2

† abatev.3

abatev.¹

abatev.²

† abatev.³