from
Bouvier's Law Dictionary, Revised 6th Ed (1856)
AN ABRIDGMENT. An epitome or compendium of another and larger work, wherein
the principal ideas of the larger work are summarily contained. When fairly
made, it may justly be deemed, within the meaning of the law, a new work,
the publication of which will not infringe the copyright of the work
abridged. An injunction, however, will be granted against a mere colorable
abridgment. 2 Atk. 143; 1 Bro. C. C. 451; 5 Ves. 709; Lofft's R. 775; Ambl.
403; 5 Ves. 709.; 1 Story, R. 11. See Quotation.
2. Abridgments of the Law or Digests of Adjudged Cases, serve the very
useful purpose of an index to the cases abridged, 5 Co. Rep. 25. Lord Coke
says they are most profitable to those who make them. Co. Lit. in preface to
the table at the end of the work. With few exceptions, they are not entitled
to be considered authoritative. 2 Wils. R. 1, 2; 1 Burr. Rep. 364; 1 Bl.
Rep. 101; 3 T. R. 64, 241. See North American Review, July, 1826, pp. 8, 13,
for an account of the principal abridgments.