Abregé

Abregé is a French term that translates to "abridged" or "shortened" in English. It is most commonly used in the context of legal documents, particularly wills or codicils. When a will is abregé, it means that certain portions of the original document have been deliberately omitted or significantly reduced in length. This is often done for specific legal or practical reasons, such as updating the will with new information without redrafting the entire document or to clarify certain bequests.

The practice of abregé in legal contexts is usually governed by specific legal procedures and requirements. It is not simply a matter of crossing out text. The abridged version must still be legally valid and clearly reflect the testator's intentions. This often involves a formal process of endorsement or annotation by legal authorities or witnesses to confirm the changes made. The purpose is to create a shorter, more manageable document while retaining its legal force.

While abregé is primarily associated with legal documents, the concept of shortening or summarizing can be applied more broadly. It can refer to a condensed version of a book, a summary of a report, or any form of communication that has been reduced in length for brevity. However, in its most precise and formal usage, abregé refers to the legal practice of shortening a will.