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GLOSSOGRAPHIA: OR A DICTIONARIE INTERPRETING HARD VVORDS.
A
A Is the first Letter a∣mong the Greekes, which they call Alpha, from the first of the Hebrews, Aleph: It is sometimes used in num∣bers, as Alpha the first, Beta the second, Gamma the third. In the Greek composition it has a divers use; but the pri∣vative is most to our purpose; for being set before a simple word, it deprives or takes a∣way its proper signification.
Cicero calls A, literam saluta∣rem, a comfortable Letter; be∣cause it was a note of Absolu∣tion; but C, literam tristem, a sorrowful letter; because it denoted Condemnation. See Ignoramus.
Abacted (abactus) driven away by violence or stealth; also deposed.
Abaddon (Hebr. 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉 Abadh▪) the Devil, so called in the New Testam. Apoc 9.11. quasi, A bad one; it properly signifies one that burns with a desire of destroying men.
Abandon (from the Span. Abandonar) to banish or pre∣scribe: to leave or forsake.
Abannition (abannitio) a banishing for a year, properly among the Greeks for man∣slaughter.
Abate (from the Fr. Abatre▪ i. to break down or destroy) signifies, in its vulgar sence, to diminish or take away; as to abate the courage of a man; so one that abateth in Lands and Tenements, by his entry diminishes and takes away the freehold in Law descen∣ded to the Heir. In another sence it signifies to beat down or overthrow, as to abate