ABBREVIATION. A shortened form of a word, obtained by the omission of one or more letters or syllables from the middle or end of the word, The abbreviations In common use in modern times consist of the initial letter or letters, syilable or syilables, of the word. Anciently, also, contract ed forms of words, obtained by the omission of letters intermediate between the initial and final letters were much In use. These latter forms are now more commonly designated by the term con troction.
Abbreviations are of frequent use in referring to text-books, reports, etc., and in indicating dates, but should be very sparingly employed, if at all, In formal and important legal documents. See 4 C. & P. 51; 9 Co. 48. No part of an indictment should contain any abbreviations except in cases where a facsimile of a written instrument is necessary to be set out. 1 East 180, n. The variety and num ber of abbreviations are as nearly illimitable as the ingenuity of man can make them; and the advantages arising from their use are, to a great extent, counterbalanced by the ambiguity and un certainty resulting from the usually inconsiderate selection which is made.
As to how far a judicial record may con tain abbreviations of English words without invalidating it, see Stein v. Meyers, 253 Ill. 199, 97 N. E. 297.
The following list is believed to contain all abbreviations in common use. Where a shorter and a longer abbreviation are in common use, both are given.
A. Alabama ;—American, see Am. ;—Anonymous; —Arkansas;—Abbott (see Abb.);—Annuals (Louisi. ana); Atlantic Reporter.
A, a, B, b. "A" front, "B" back of a leaf.
A. B. Anonymous Reports-at end of Benloe's Re ports, commonly called New Benloe.
A. B. R. American Bankruptcy Reports.