arch. [f. ABOLISH v. + -MENT. Cf. Fr. abolissement 16th c. (which may be the direct source).]
1. The process of abolishing, putting an end to, or doing away with; annulment, or destruction. (It scarcely differs from ABOLISHING sb. on the one hand, or ABOLITION on the other: the latter is now generally used instead.)
1542–60. Becon, Potation for Lent, Wks. 1843, 119. Remember that he offered himself … for the abolishment of all your sins.
1563. Foxe, A. & M., 835/2. The Kynges supremacie, and thabolyshement of the byshop of Rome’s author[it]ie.
1611. Speed, Hist. Brit., VII. xxxii. 322. Abolishment of the peruerse law of the West-Saxons.
1626. Rawleigh’s Ghost (1651), 200. Decreeing the abolishment and death of mankind in revenge of their sinnes.
1812. Southey, in Q. Rev., VIII. 328. By abolishing that system in the countries which he has subjected, and by necessitating its abolishment in others.
1881. Journ. Educ., 1 Feb., 25/2. The main points urged in the memorial were—1. the abolishment of payment for pass.
2. The result of abolishing; a state of annihilation, or cessation of existence.
1868. Browning, Ring & Bk., III. IX. 1499. Abolishment is nothingness, And nothingness has neither head nor tail.
