Obs. [The adj. used elliptically, like L. abbreviātum that which is abridged.] An abridgment, short sketch, abstract, epitome.
1531. Elyot, Governor (1580), 205. An abbreuiate, called of ye Greekes and Latins, Epitoma.
1674. Brevint, Saul at Endor, 104. To pick and chuse out of every Creature, as it came out, the very best of it for this true Pandora and true Abbreviate of all his works.
1686. Sir S. Moreland, in Pepys’ Diary, VI. 153. An unfortunate and fatall accident has lately befallen me, of which I shall give you an abbreviat.
1708. Chamberlayne, State of Gr. Brit., I. II. xi. 91 (1743). The Speaker taking the Bill in his hand, reads the Abbreviate or Abstract of the said bill.
1716. Wodrow, Corresp. (1843), II. 155. This is an abbreviate of this attempt.
