in heraldry, an accidental figure supposed to have been added to coats-of-arms, in order to denote some dishonourable demeanour or stain, whereby the dignity of the coat-armour was rendered of less esteem. See Heraldry, p. 12, l.

in law. See To ABATE.

in the customs, an allowance made upon the duty of goods, when the quantum damaged is determined by the judgment of two merchants upon oath, and attcertained by a certificate from the surveyor and land-writer.