n. [ OF. abatement, F. abattement. ]
Defense in abatement,
Plea in abatement
n. [ For Abatement. See 2d Bate. ] Abatement; diminution. Moxon. [ 1913 Webster ]
Batement light (Arch.),
n. [ Cf. OF. debatement a beating. ] Controversy; deliberation; debate. [ R. ] [ 1913 Webster ]
A serious question and debatement with myself. Milton. [ 1913 Webster ]
n. [ Cf. OF. rabatement, fr. rabatre to diminish, F. rabattre. ] Same as 3d Rebate, v. [ 1913 Webster ]