Abatement

Destruction or diminution of a right, or removal of that which is illegal. At common law the title of an heir or devisee to land abates, i.e., is destroyed, by the wrongful entry of a stranger after the ancestor's or devisor's death, and before entry entry by by the heir or devisee. A legacy by abates, i.e. , is proportionately reduced, when the a ets are insufficient to pay all debts and legacies. A nuisance or unlawful annoyance may be abated or removed peacefully by the sufferer. Relief from a defective legal proceeding may be obtained by abatement. Revenue statutes often provide for the abatement or refunding of overpaid duties.