Literally, it imports the same with Abigeus, or as others write it, Abigevus, or Abigens ; form'd of Abigo, I drive away, q. d. a Driver of Cattle.
Technically, it is us'd to denote a Thief ; but with something particular in the manner of his Crime, to distinguish it from Furtum, or common Theft. 'Tis generally suppos'd to be one who steals, or drives off Cattel by Herds, or great Numbers : Thus Bracton, L. iii. c. 6. Si quis suem surripuit, fur erit ; & si quis gregem, Abigevus. See THEFT.
Thus the Abatement of a Writ, is the frustrating, or setting it aside, by some Exception alledg'd and made good against it. Such Exception may be taken either to the Matter, as insufficient ; or to the Allegations, as uncertain, e g. where one of the Parties or a Place are misnam'd ; or to some Variation between the Writ and Record ; or to the Uncertainty of the Writ, Count, or Declaration ; or to divers other Particulars. Upon any of which, the Desendant may pray that the Writ, or Plaint, may abate ; i.e. that the Plaintiff's Suit may cease for that time. See WRIT.