3 October 2013

abridge

[uh-brij]

verb (used with object), a·bridged, a·bridg·ing.

1. to shorten by omissions while retaining the basic contents: to abridge a reference book.
2. to reduce or lessen in duration, scope, authority, etc.; diminish; curtail: to abridge a visit; to abridge one’s freedom.
3. to deprive; cut off.

Origin:
1350–1400; Middle English abreggen, abriggen < Middle French abreg ( i ) er < Late Latin abbreviāre to shorten. See a-4 , abbreviate

Related forms
a·bridg·a·ble, a·bridge·a·ble, adjective
a·bridg·er, noun
non·a·bridg·a·ble, adjective
re·a·bridge, verb (used with object), re·a·bridged, re·a·bridg·ing.

Synonyms
1. cut down; epitomize; condense, abstract, digest. See shorten. 2. contract, reduce. 3. divest.

Antonyms
1. lengthen. 2. expand.

Today’s quote

Andy Warhol is the only genius I’ve ever known with an I.Q. of 60.

– Gore Vidal

On this day

3 October 1226 – death of St Francis of Assisi, Italian friar and founder of the men’s Franciscan Order, the women’s Order of St Clare and the Third Order of St Francis. Although these are all Catholic Orders, he was never ordained as a Catholic priest. Born 26 September 1181.

3 October 1925 – birthday of Gore Vidal, American author, playwright, essayist and political activist.