Found 1 items, similar to Plea in abatement.
English → English (gcide) Definition: Plea in abatement Abatement \A*bate"ment\ (-ment), n. [OF. abatement, F. abattement.] 1. The act of abating, or the state of being abated; a lessening, diminution, or reduction; removal or putting an end to; as, the abatement of a nuisance is the suppression thereof. [1913 Webster] 2. The amount abated; that which is taken away by way of reduction; deduction; decrease; a rebate or discount allowed. [1913 Webster] 3. (Her.) A mark of dishonor on an escutcheon. [1913 Webster] 4. (Law) The entry of a stranger, without right, into a freehold after the death of the last possessor, before the heir or devisee. --Blackstone. [1913 Webster] Defense in abatement, Plea in abatement, (Law), plea to the effect that from some formal defect (e.g. misnomer, lack of jurisdiction) the proceedings should be abated. [1913 Webster]