[f. ABATE v.1 + -ER2, in imitation of misnom-er, rejoind-er, remind-er.] An abating, a plea in abatement.
1660. H. More, Myst. Godliness, I. vi. 17. It being a great abater to our zeal and fervency in Religion to think that in the end of our life we shall be dodged and put off by a long senseless and comfortless Sleepe of the Soul under the sods of the Grave. Ibid. (1662), Ant. agst. Ath., I. viii. 2, 22. Our fancy can shuffle in this abater, viz. that, etc.
