A-bāte'ment, n.

n. [Fr. abattement, Pr. abatament, abatement.]

1. The act of abating, or the state of being abated; removal; diminution; reduction.
2. The sum, quantity, or amount by which any thing is abated; that which is taken away by way of reduction; deduction; decrease.
3. (Her.) A mark of dishonor in a coat of arms, by which its dignity is debased for some stain on the character of the wearer. The only abatement now used is the baston, or batton, indicating bastardy. See BASTON. Ogilvie.
4. (Law.) The entry of a stranger into a freehold after the death of the last possessor, before the heir or devisee. Blackstone.