transitive verb abridged abridged′, abridging abridg′·ing

1. to reduce in scope, extent, etc.; shorten
2. to shorten (a piece of writing) while preserving its substance; condense
3. to lessen or curtail (rights, authority, etc.)
4. Rare to deprive (a person) of rights, privileges, etc.

Etymology: ME abregen < OFr abregier < LL abbreviare, abbreviate