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, syllable or syllables, of the word. Anciently, also, contracted 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 "contraction." 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 Car. & P. 51; 9 Coke, 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, note.

The variety and number of abbreviations is 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 uncertainty resulting from the usually inconsiderate selection which is made. Abbreviations in judicial records do not conform to requirements that proceedings shall be conducted in the English language unless they are so well known or so commonly used that they may be said to constitute part of the language.

Stein v. Meyers, 253 Ill. 199.