abatement
abatement ([schwa]-bayt-m[schwa]nt), n. 1. The act of eliminating or nullifying (abatement of a nuis-ance) (abatement of a writ). [C.J.S. Nuisances §§ 86–89.] 2. The suspension or defeat of a pending action for a reason unrelated to the merits of the claim (the defendant sought abatement of the suit because of misnomer). See plea in abatement […]