ABBREVIATIONS or “shortenings” are used in writing to save time and space, or it may be to ensure secrecy. They are of two kinds, consisting either in the omission of some letters or words, or in the substitution of some arbitrary sign. In the earliest times, when uncial or lapidary characters were used, abbreviations by omission prevailed, such as we find in the inscriptions on monuments, coins, etc. The ancient copiers of MSS. invented many contractions to facilitate their labor. Greek MSS. abound in such, and hence often cannot be read without a previous regular study of Greek palæography. From MSS. these contractions were transferred to the printed editions of Greek authors, and have been only wholly disused within the past century; hence regular lists of them were given in the earlier Greek grammars, because the knowledge of them was absolutely essential to the student. Some of the commoner are still given in some grammars, as many Greek works are accessible only in editions full of them. Among the Romans the marks of abbreviation, called notæ or compendia scribendi, were so numerous that, in a classification by L. Annæus Seneca, they amount to 5,000. With the Latin language the ancient Roman abbreviations passed to the Middle Ages, appearing first on inscriptions and coins, then in manuscripts, and, more especially after the 11th century, in charters and other legal documents, and the practice continued in these long after the invention had made it unnecessary in books. The use of them in legal documents was forbidden by an act of Parliament passed in the reign of George II. In ordinary writing and printing few abbreviations are now employed. The abbreviations by using the initials of words are chiefly confined to titles, dates, and a few phrases: A. M.–Magister Artium, Master of Arts; A. D.–Anno Domini, in the year of our Lord; F. R. G. S.–Fellow of the Royal Geographic Society. In the following list most of the abbreviations that are likely to be met with by modern readers are alphabetically arranged, save chemical elements, for which see table of Atomic Weights. The standard abbreviations used in library catalogues are also given. For Latin abbreviations see Campelli’s ‘Dizionario di Abbreviature’ (Milan, 1899); Dobbs’ ‘Abbreviations, British and Foreign’ (1911).
| A. A.–Associate of Arts. |
| A. A. A.–Amateur Athletic Association (Brit.). |
| A. A. A. S.–American Association for the Advancement of Science. |
| A. A. P. S.–American Association for the Promotion of Science. |
| A. A. S.–Academiæ Americanæ Socius, Fellow of the American Academy (of Arts and Sciences); American Automobile Association. |
| A. A. S. S.–Americanæ Antiquarianæ Societalis Socius, Member of the American Antiquarian Society. |
| A. B.–Artium Baccalaureus, Bachelor of Arts. |
| A. B. C. F. M.–American Board of Commissioners for Foreign Missions. |
| Abp.–Archbishop. |
| Abr.–Abridgement, or Abridged. |
| a/c.–Account. |
| A. C.–Ante Christum, before the birth of Christ. |
| Acad. Nat. Sci.–Academy of Natural Sciences. |
| Accel.–accelerando, In music, more quickly. |
| A. D.–Anno Domini, in the year of the Lord. |
| A. D. C.–Aide-de-camp. |
| Adjt.–Adjutant. |
| Adjt.-Gen.–Adjutant-General. |
| Ad lib.–Ad libitum, at pleasure. |
| Admr.–Administrator. |
| Admx.–Administratrix. |
| Ads.–Ad sectam, at the suit [of]. |
| Ad v.–Ad valorem, at (or on) the value. |
| Æt.–Ætatis, of age; aged. |
| A. F. B. S.–American and Foreign Bible Society. |
| Agl. Dept.–Agricultural Department (Department of Agriculture). |
| A. G. S. S.–American Geographical and Statistical Society. |
| A. H.–Anno Hegiræ, in the year of Hegira (Mohammedan era, reckoning from 622 A. D.). |
| A. H. M. S.–American Home Missionary Society. |
| A. M.–Ante meridiem, before noon; morning; Anno mundi, in the year of the world; Artium Magister, Master of Arts. |
| Am. Ass. Adv. Sci.–American Association for the Advancement of Science. |
| Amer. Acad.–American Academy. |
| A. M. E. Z.–African Methodist Episcopal Zion. |
| Amt.–Amount. |
| An.–Anno, in the year. |
| A. N. A.–Associate of the National Academy. |
| Anat.–Anatomy. |
| Ang.-Sax.–Anglo-Saxon. |
| Anon.–Anonymous. |
| Ant., or Antiq.–Antiquities. |
| A. O. S. S.–Americanæ Orientalis Societatis Socius, Member of the American Oriental Society. |
| Apoc.–Apocalypse. |
| Apocr.–Apocrypha. |
| App.–Appendix. |
| Apud.–In writings of. |
| A. R.–Anna Regina, Queen Anne; Anno regni, in the year of the reign. |
| A. R. A.–Associate of the Royal Academy. |
| Arch.–Archibald; Architect; Architecture. |
| Archd.–Archdeacon. |
| Arm.–Armenian. |
| A. R. S. A.–Associate of the Royal Scottish Academy. |
| A. R. S. S.–Antiquariorum Regiæ Societalis Socius, Fellow of the Royal Society of Antiquaries. |
| Assist. Sec.–Assistant-Secretary. |
| A. S. A.–American Statistical Association. |
| Assn.–Association. |
| A. S. S. U.–American Sunday-School Union. |
| Astrol.–Astrology. |
| Astron.–Astronomy. |
| A. T. S.–American Tract Society. |
| Atty.–Attorney. |
| Atty.-Gen.–Attorney-General. |
| A. U. A.–American Unitarian Association. |
| A. U. C.–Anno urbis conditæ, or ab urbe condita, in the year from the building of the city (Rome) B. C. 753. |
| A. V.–Authorized Version (of the Bible). |
| Ave.–Avenue. |
| Avdp. or Avoir.–Avoirdupois. |
| b.–Born. |
| B. A.–Bachelor of Arts. |
| Bal.–Balance. |
| Bapt.–Baptist. |
| Bart. or Bt.–Baronet. |
| Bbl.–Barrel. |
| B. C.–Before Christ; British Columbia. |
| B. C. L.–Bachelor of Civil Law. |
| B. D.–Baccalaureus Divinitatis, Bachelor of Divinity. |
| Bds.–Boards; Bonds. |
| Beau. & Fl.–Beaumont and Fletcher. |
| Belg.–Belgian; Belgium. |
| Benj.–Benjamin. |
| B. ès L.–Bachelor of Letters (Fr.). |
| Bib.–Bible; Biblical. |
| Bibliog.–Bibliographical; Bibliography. |
| Bk.–Book. |
| B. L.–Bachelor of Letters. |
| B. Litt.–Bachelor of Literature in Journalism. |
| B. Ll.–Baccalaureus Legum, Bachelor of Laws. |
| B. M.–Baccalaureus Medicina, Bachelor of Medicine. |
| B. Mus.–Bachelor of Music. |
| Bot.–Botany. |
| Bp.–Bishop. |
| B. Ph.–Bachelor of Philosophy. |
| Br.–Brig; British; Brother. |
| Brig.–Brigade; Brigadier. |
| Brig.-Gen.–Brigadier-General. |
| Brit. Mus.–British Museum. |
| Bro.–Brother. |
| B. S. or B. Sc.–Bachelor in the Sciences. |
| Bt.–Baronet. |
| B. V.–Beato Virgo, Blessed Virgin; Bene vale, farewell. |
| C.–Caput or capitulum, chapter; Celsius; Cent; Centigrade; Cents; Centum, a hundred; Century; Circa or circiter, about; Consul. |
| C. A.–Chief Accountant; Commissioner of Accounts. |
| Cam., Camb.–Cambridge. |
| Can.–Canon. |
| Cant.–Canticles. |
| Cantab.–Cantabrigiæ, Cantabrigiensis, of Cambridge. In music cantabile, singing tone. |
| Cantuar.–Cantuariæ, Cantuariensis, of Canterbury. |
| Cap.–Caput, capitulum, chapter. |
| Capt.–Captain. |
| Capt.-Gen.–Captain-General. |
| Card.–Cardinal. |
| Cath.–Catherine, Catholic, Cathedral. |
| C. B.–Cape Breton; Communis Bancus, Common Bench; Companion of the Bath. |
| C. C.–Caius College; Compte courante, account current; Circuit Court; County Commissioner; County Court; Cubic centimeter. |
| C. E.–Civil Engineer; Church of England; Christian Endeavor Society. |
| Celt.–Celtic. |
| Cent.–Centigrade, a scale of 100° from freezing to boiling; Central; Centum, a hundred; Century. |
| Cf.–Confer, compare. |
| C. G.–Commissary-General; Consul-General. |
| C. G. H.–Cape of Good Hope. |
| Chap.–Chapter. |
| Ch. J.–Chief Justice. |
| Chr.–Christ; Christian; Christopher. |
| Chron.–Chronicles. |
| Cic.–Cicero. |
| Circ.–Circa, or circiter, about; Circuit. |
| Cit.–Citation; Cited; Citizen. |
| Civ.–Civil. |
| C. J.–Chief Justice. |
| C. M. G.–Companion of the Order of St. Michael and St. George. |
| Co.–Company; county. |
| c/o.–In care of. |
| Coch., or Cochl.–Cochlear, a spoonful. C. amp. (amplum), a tablespoonful. C. mag. (magnum), a large spoonful. C. med. (medium), a dessert-spoonful. C. parv. (parvum), a small spoonful or teaspoonful. |
| C. O. D.–Cash (or collect) on delivery. |
| Coll.–College. |
| Com.–Commerce; Committee; Commissioner; Commodore. |
| Com. Ver.–Common Version (of the Bible). |
| Con.–Contra, against; in opposition. |
| Conch.–Conchology. |
| Confed.–Confederate. |
| Cong.–Congress. |
| Congl.–Congregational. |
| Conj.–Conjunction. |
| Copt.–Coptic. |
| Cor.–Corinthians. |
| Cor. Mem.–Corresponding Member. |
| Corn.–Cornwall; Cornish. |
| Coss.–Consules, Consuls. |
| Cp.–Compare. |
| C. P. A.–Certified Public Accountant. |
| C. P. S.–Custos Privati Sigilli, Keeper of the Privy Seal. |
| Cr.–Credit; Creditor. |
| Crim. Con.–Criminal conversation (adultery). |
| C. S.–Court of Sessions; Custos Sigilli, Keeper of the Seal. |
| C. S. A.–Confederate States of America; Confederate States Army. |
| C. S. I.–Companion of the Order of the Star of India. |
| C. S. N.–Confederate States Navy. |
| C. Theod.–Codice Theodosiano, in the Theodosian Code. |
| Cwt.–Hundred weight. |
| Cyc.–Cyclopedia. |
| d.–Denarius, penny, pence; Died. |
| D. C.–Da capo, from the beginning; District of Columbia. |
| D. C. L.–Doctor of Civil Law. |
| D. D.–Divinitatis Doctor, Doctor of Divinity. |
| D. D. S.–Doctor of Dental Surgery. |
| Dea.–Deacon. |
| Dec.–December; Declination. |
| Dec. of Ind.–Declaration of Independence. |
| Def.–Defendant. |
| Deg.–Degree; degrees. |
| Dem.–Democrat; Democratic. |
| Dep.–Deputy. |
| Deut.–Deuteronomy. |
| D. F.–Defender of the Faith. |
| D. G.–Dei gratia, by the grace of God; Deo gratias, thanks to God. |
| Disc.–Discount. |
| Dist.–District. |
| D. M.–Doctor of Music. |
| D. M. D.–Doctor of Medical Dentistry. |
| D. O.–Doctor of Osteopathy. |
| Do.–Ditto, the same. |
| Doc.–Document. |
| D. O. M.–Deo optimo maximo, to God, the best, the greatest. |
| D. O. S.–Doctor of Orthopedic Surgery. |
| D. P. or D. Ph.–Doctor of Philosophy. |
| Dpt.–Department. |
| Dr.–Debtor; Doctor. |
| D. Sc.–Doctor of Science. |
| D. T.–Doctor Theologiæ, Doctor of Theology. |
| D. V.–Deo volente, God willing. |
| D. V. M.–Doctor of Veterinary Medicine. |
| Dwt.–Pennyweight. |
| Dyn.–Dynamics. |
| E.–East. |
| Ebor.–Eboracum, York. |
| Eccl.–Ecclesiastes. |
| Ecclus.–Ecclesiasticus. |
| Ed.–Editor; Edition. |
| Edin.–Edinburgh. |
| E. E.–Electrical Engineer. |
| e. g.–Exempli gratia, for example; Ex grege, among the rest. |
| E. I.–East Indies or East India. |
| E. Lon.–East longitude. |
| E. M.–Mining Engineer. |
| Encyc.–Encyclopedia. |
| Encyc. Amer.–Encyclopedia Americana. |
| Eng.–Engineering; Engineers; England; English. |
| Env. Ext.–Envoy Extraordinary. |
| Ep.–Epistle. |
| Epis.–Episcopal. |
| Esq.–Esquire. |
| Et al.–Et alii, and others. |
| Etc., or &c.–Et cætero, et cæteræ, et cætera, and others; and so forth. |
| Et seq.–Et sequentes, et sequentia, and what follows. |
| Etym.–Etymological; Etymology. |
| E. U.–États Unis, United States; Evangelical Union. |
| Ex.–Example; Exodus. |
| Exch.–Exchange. |
| Exec.–Executive; Executor. |
| Execx.–Executrix. |
| Exon.–Exonia, Exeter; Exoniæ, Exoniensis, of Exeter. |
| Ex p.–Ex parte, in behalf of. |
| F.–Fahrenheit; Franc; Francs. |
| Fahr.–Fahrenheit. |
| F. and A. M.–Free and Accepted Masons. |
| F. A. S.–Fellow of the Antiquarian Society. |
| F. B. S.–Fellow of the Botanical Society. |
| Fcap. or fcp.–Foolscap. |
| F. C. P. S.–Fellow of the Cambridge Philological Society. |
| F. C. S.–Fellow of the Chemical Society. |
| F. D.–Fidei Defensor, Defender of the Faith. |
| Fec.–Fecit, he did or made it. |
| Fed.–Federal. |
| F. E. S.–Fellow of the Entomological Society; Fellow of the Ethnographical Society. |
| Ff.–Fecerunt, they did or made it; Folios; Following; Fortissimo. |
| F. G. S.–Fellow of the Geological Society. |
| F. H. S.–Fellow of the Horticultural Society. |
| Fid. Def.–Fidei Defensor, Defender of the Faith. |
| Fig.–Figure. |
| Fin.–Finland. |
| Finn.–Finnish. |
| Fir.–Firkin. |
| Fl.–Florin; Florins; Flourished. |
| F. L. S.–Fellow of the Linnæan Society. |
| F.-M.–Field-Marshal. |
| F. o. b.–Free on board. |
| Fol.–Folio. |
| For.–Foreign. |
| F. P. S.–Fellow of the Philological Society. |
| Fr.–Fragmentum, fragment; Franc; France; Francis; France; French. |
| F. R. A. S.–Fellow of the Royal Asiatic Society; Fellow of the Royal Astronomical Society. |
| F. R. C. P.–Fellow of the Royal College of Physicians. |
| F. R. C. S. (E., I., or L.)–Fellow of the Royal College of Surgeons (Edinburgh, Ireland, or London). |
| F. R. G. S.–Fellow of the Royal Geographical Society. |
| F. R. Hist. Soc.–Fellow of the Royal Historical Society. |
| F. R. S.–Fellow of the Royal Society. |
| F. R. S. E.–Fellow of the Royal Society, Edinburgh. |
| F. R. S. L.–Fellow of the Royal Society, London. |
| F. R. S. S. A.–Fellow of the Royal Scottish Society of Arts. |
| F. R. Z. S.–Fellow of the Royal Zoological Society. |
| F. S. A.–Fellow of the Society of Arts, or of Antiquaries. |
| F. S. A. E.–Fellow of the Society of Antiquaries, Edinburgh. |
| F. S. A. Scot.–Fellow of the Society of Antiquaries of Scotland. |
| F. S. S.–Fellow of the Statistical Society. |
| Ft.–Foot; feet; Fort. |
| Fur.–Furlong. |
| F. Z. S.–Fellow of the Zoological Society. |
| G.–Guineas. |
| G. A. R.–Grand Army of the Republic. |
| G. B.–Great Britain. |
| G. B. & I.–Great Britain and Ireland. |
| G. C. B.–Grand Cross of the Bath. |
| G. C. H.–Grand Cross of Hanover. |
| G. C. K. P.–Grand Commander of the Knight of St. Patrick. |
| G. C. L. H.–Grand Cross of the Legion of Honor. |
| G. C. M. G.–Grand Cross of St. Michael and St. George. |
| G. C. S. I.–Grand Commander of the Star of India. |
| Gen.–Genealogy; Genera; General; Genesis; Genus. |
| Gl., or Gloss.–Glossary. |
| G. L.–Grand Lodge. |
| G. M. K. P.–Grand Master of the Knights of St. Patrick. |
| G. M. S. I.–Grand Master of the Star of India. |
| G. O.–General Order. |
| Goth.–Gothic. |
| G. P. O.–General Post-Office. |
| Gr.–Greek. |
| G. R.–Georgius Rex, King George. |
| Gr., Grs.–Grain; Grains. |
| G. S.–Grand Secretary; Grand Sentinel; Grand Scribe. |
| Gtt.–Gutta or guttæ, drop; drops. |
| H.–Hour. |
| Hab.–Habakkuk. |
| Hab. corp.–Habeas corpus, that you have the body. |
| Hab. fa. poss.–Habere facias possessionem, that you cause to have possession,–a legal writ. |
| Hab. fa. seis.–Habere facias seisinam, that you cause to have seisin,–a legal writ. |
| H. B. M.–His or Her Britannic Majesty. |
| H. M. S.–His (or Her) Majesty’s Ship. |
| H. C. M.–His or Her Catholic Majesty. |
| H. E.–His Excellency, or His Eminence. |
| Heb.–Hebrew; Hebrews. |
| Her.–Heraldry. |
| H. H.–His or Her Highness; His Holiness (the Pope). |
| H. I.–Hawaiian Islands. |
| Hier.–Hierosolyma, Jerusalem. |
| H. I. H.–His or Her Imperial Highness. |
| Hind.–Hindu; Hindustan; Hindustani. |
| H. J. S.–Hic jacet sepultus, here lies buried. |
| H. L.–House of Lords. |
| H. M.–His or Her Majesty. |
| H. M. P.–Hoc monumentum posuit, erected this monument. |
| H. M. S.–His or Her Majesty’s Ship or Service. |
| Hon.–Honorable. |
| Hort.–Horticulture. |
| Hos.–Hosea. |
| H. R.–House of Representatives. |
| H. R. H.–His or Her Royal Highness. |
| H. R. I. P.–Hic requiescit in pace, Here rests in peace. |
| H. S.–Hic situs, Here lies. |
| H. S. H.–His or Her Serene Highness. |
| Hypoth.–Hypothesis; Hypothetical. |
| I.–Imperator or Imperatrix, Emperor or Empress. |
| Ib., or ibid.–Ibidem, in the same place. |
| Ich., or Ichth.–Ichthyology. |
| Icon. Encyc.–Iconographic Encyclopedia |
| I. Ch. Th. U. S.–Ἰ(ησοῦς)Χ(ριστός)Θ(εοῦ)Y(ἱός)Σ(ωτήρ) (Iesous Christos, Theou Uios, Soter), Jesus Christ, the Son of God, the Saviour; also written Ἰχθύς=a fish; whence the symbol of a fish for the sacred name. |
| Id.–Idem, the same. |
| i. e.–Id est, that is. |
| I. H. S.–(Corrupted from Gr. ἸΗΣ, abbreviation ἸΗΣΟΥΣ, Jesus). Now read Jesus Hominum Salvator, Jesus the Saviour of Men. |
| Imp.–Imperative; Imperator, emperor; Imperial. |
| In.–Inch; inches. |
| Inc. or Incor.–Incorporated. |
| Incog.–Incognito, unknown. |
| I. H. P.–Indicated horse-power. |
| I. N. D.–In nomine Dei, in the name of God. |
| Inf.–Infra, beneath, or below. |
| In f.–In fine, at the end. |
| In lim.–In limine, at the outset. |
| In loc.–In loco, in the place. |
| In pr.–In principio, in the beginning. |
| I. N. R. I.–Jesus Nazarenus, Rex Judæorum, Jesus of Nazareth, King of the Jews. |
| Inst.–Instant; Institute; Institutes; Institution. |
| In trans.–In transitu, in transit. |
| Int. Rev.–Internal Revenue. |
| Ion.–Ionic. |
| I. O. O. F.–Independent Order of Odd Fellows. |
| I. O. S. M.–Independent Order of the Sons of Malta. |
| I. O. U.–I owe you. |
| Ipecac.–Ipecacuanha. |
| I. R.–Imperator, Rex. |
| Ital.–Italic; Italian. |
| J.–Justice, or Judge. |
| J. A.–Judge-Advocate. |
| J. C.–Jurisconsultus, jurisconsult. |
| J. C. D.–Juris Civilis Doctor, Doctor of Civil Law. |
| J. D.–Juris Doctor, Doctor of Law. |
| J. P.–Justice of the Peace. |
| J. Prob.–Judge of the Probate. |
| Jud.–Judicial; Judith. |
| J. U. D., or J. V. D.–Juris utriusque Doctor, Doctor of both laws (of the Canon and the Civil Law). |
| Judge-Adv.–Judge-Advocate. |
| K.–Karat; Karats; King. |
| K. A.–Knight of St. Andrew, in Russia. |
| Kal.–Kalendæ, the Kalends. |
| K. B.–King’s Bench; Knight of the Bath. |
| K. B. A.–Knight of St. Bento d’Avis, in Portugal. |
| K. B. E.–Knight of the Black Eagle, in Russia. |
| K. C.–King’s Counsel; Knight of the Crescent, in Turkey. |
| K. C. B.–Knight Commander of the Bath. |
| K. C. H.–Knight Commander of Hanover. |
| K. C. S.–Knight of Charles III of Spain. |
| K. E.–Knight of the Elephant, in Denmark. |
| K. F.–Knight of Ferdinand, in Spain. |
| K. F. M.–Knight of St. Ferdinand and Merit, in Sicily. |
| K. G.–Knight of the Garter. |
| K. G. C.–Knight of the Golden Circle; Knight of the Grand Cross. |
| K. G. C. B.–Knight of the Grand Cross of the Bath. |
| K. G. F.–Knight of the Golden Fleece, in Spain. |
| K. G. H.–Knight of the Guelphs of Hanover. |
| K. G. V.–Knight of Gustavus Vasa, in Sweden. |
| K. H.–Knight of Hanover. |
| Kilo, Kilog.–Kilogram. |
| Kilo., Kilom.–Kilometer. |
| K. L.–Knight of Labor. |
| K. L., or K. L. A.–Knight of Leopold or Austria. |
| K. L. H.–Knight of the Legion of Honor. |
| K. M.–Knight of Malta. |
| K. M. H.–Knight of Merit of Holstein. |
| K. M. J.–Knight of Maximilian Joseph, in Bavaria. |
| K. M. T.–Knight of Maria Theresa, in Austria. |
| K. N. S.–Knight of the North Star, in Sweden. |
| Knt. or Kt.–Knight. |
| K. P.–Knight of St. Patrick; Knight of Pythias. |
| K. R. C.–Knight of Red Cross. |
| K. R. E.–Knight of Red Eagle, in Prussia. |
| K. S.–Knight of the Sword, in Sweden. |
| K. S. A.–Knight of St. Anne, in Russia. |
| K. S. E.–Knight of St. Esprit, in France. |
| K. S. F.–Knight of St. Fernando, in Spain. |
| K. S. F. M.–Knight of St. Ferdinand and Merit, in Naples. |
| K. S. G.–Knight of St. George, in Russia. |
| K. S. H.–Knight of St. Hubert, in Bavaria. |
| K. S. J.–Knight of St. Januarius, in Naples. |
| K. S. L.–Knight of the Sun and Lion, in Persia. |
| K. S. M. & S. G.–Knight of St. Michael and St. George, in the Ionian Islands. |
| K. S. P.–Knight of St. Stanislaus of Poland. |
| K. S. S.–Knight of the Southern Star, in Brazil; Knight of the Sword of Sweden. |
| K. S. V.–Knight of St. Vladimir, in Russia. |
| Kt.–Knight. |
| K. T.–Knight of the Thistle; Knight Templar. |
| K. t. l. (Gr: Κ. τ. λ.)–Και τα λεἱπομενα (kai to leipomena), or λοιπα (loipa), and so forth; and the rest; same as “etc.” |
| K. T. S.–Knight of the Tower and Sword, in Portugal. |
| K. W. –Knight of William, in the Netherlands. |
| K. W. E.–Knight of the White Eagle, in Poland. |
| L.–Lake; Liber, book; Libra, libræ, pound, pounds. |
| L. A. C.–Licentiate of the Apothecaries’ Company. |
| Lapp.–Lappish. |
| Lat.–Latitude. |
| Lb., or lbs.–Libra or libræ, pound or pounds in weight. |
| L. C.–Loco citato, in the place cited; Lord Chamberlain; Lord Chancellor; Lower Canada; Lower case. |
| Leg.–Legal; Legate. |
| Legis.–Legislature. |
| Lev.–Leviticus. |
| Lex.–Lexicon. |
| L. H. A.–Lord High Admiral. |
| L. H. C.–Lord High Chancellor. |
| L. H. D.–Litterarum Humaniorum Doctor, Doctor of the More Humane Letters. |
| L. H. T.–Lord High Treasurer. |
| Lib.–Liber, book. |
| Lieut.-Col.–Lieutenant-Colonel. |
| Lieut.-Gen.–Lieutenant-General. |
| Lieut.-Gov.–Lieutenant-Governor. |
| Linn.–Linnæus; Linnæan. |
| Liq.–Liquid; Liquidation; Liquor. |
| Lit.–Literally; Literature. |
| Lith.–Lithuanian. |
| Litt. B.–Bachelor of Letters. |
| Litt. D.–Doctor of Letters. |
| L. L.–Loco lauato, in the place praised (quoted); Lord Lieutenant. |
| L. Lat.–Low Latin; Law Latin. |
| Ll. B.–Legum Baccalaureus, Bachelor of Laws. |
| Ll. D.–Legum Doctor, Doctor of Laws. |
| Ll. M.–Legum Magister, Master of Laws. |
| L. M. S.–London Missionary Society. |
| Loc. cit.–Loco citato, in the place cited. |
| Long.–Longitude. |
| L. R. C. P.–Licentiate of the Royal College of Physicians. |
| L. R. C. S.–Licentiate of the Royal College of Surgeons. |
| L. S.–Locus sigilli, place of a seal. |
| L. S. A.–Licentiate of the Society of Apothecaries. |
| LXX.–The Septuagint (Version of the Old Testament). |
| M.–Married; Meridies, noon; Mile; Mille, a thousand; Minute, minutes; Monsieur, Mister. |
| Maj.-Gen.–Major-General. |
| Math.–Mathematics; Mathematician. |
| M. B.–Medicinæ Baccalaureus, Bachelor of Medicine; Musicæ Baccalaureus, Bachelor of Music. |
| M. B. F. et H.–Magna Britannia, Francia, et Hibernia, Great Britain, France, and Ireland. |
| M. C.–Member of Congress; Master of Ceremonies; Master Commandant. |
| M. C. E.–Master of Civil Engineering. |
| Mch.–March. |
| M. D.–Medicinæ Doctor, Doctor of Medicine. |
| Mddle.–Mademoiselle. |
| Mdse.–Merchandise. |
| M. E.–Methodist Episcopal; Military or Mechanical Engineer. |
| Mech.–Mechanic; Mechanical. |
| M. E. G. H. P.–Most Excellent Grand High Priest. |
| Mem.–Memento, remember; Memorandum. |
| M. E. S.–Methodist Episcopal, South. |
| Metal.–Metallurgy. |
| Meth.–Methodist. |
| Mex.–Mexico, or Mexican. |
| M. F. A.–Minister of Foreign Affairs; Master of the Fox Hounds (Eng.). |
| M. Goth.–Mœso-Gothic. |
| Mic.–Micah. |
| M. I. C. E.–Member of the Institution of Civil Engineers. |
| Mich.–Michael; Michaelmas. |
| Mil.–Military. |
| Min.–Mineralogy; Mining; Minute, minutes. |
| M. L.–Master of Laws. |
| M. L. A.–Mercantile Library Association; Member of the Legislative Assembly (S. Africa). |
| Mlle.–Mademoiselle. |
| MM.–Messieurs, Gentlemen; (Their) Majesties. |
| M. M. E.–Master of Mining Engineering. |
| Mme.–Madame, Madam. |
| M. M. S.–Moravian Missionary Society. |
| M. M. S. S.–Massachusettensis Medicinæ Societatis Socius, Fellow of the Massachusetts Medical Society. |
| M. N. A. S.–Member of the National Academy of Sciences. |
| M. P.–Member of Parliament; Metropolitan Police; Methodist Protestant. |
| M. P. P.–Member of Provincial Parliament. |
| M. P. S.–Member of the Phililogical Society; Member of the Pharmaceutical Society. |
| M. R. A. S.–Member of the Royal Asiatic Society; Member of the Royal Academy of Science. |
| M. R. C. C.–Member of the Royal College of Chemistry. |
| M. R. C. P.–Member of the Royal College of Physicians. |
| M. R. C. S.–Member of the Royal College of Surgeons. |
| M. R. C. V. S.–Member of the Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons. |
| M. R. G. S.–Member of the Royal Geographical Society. |
| M. R. I.–Member of the Royal Institution. |
| M. R. I. A.–Member of the Royal Irish Academy. |
| M. R. S. L.–Member of the Royal Society of Literature. |
| M. S.–Master of Science. |
| M. S. A.–Master of Science in Agriculture. |
| Mus. B.–Musicæ Baccalaureus, Bachelor of Music. |
| Mus. D.–Musicæ Doctor, Doctor of Mexico. |
| M. W. G. C. P.–Most Worthy Grand Chief Patriarch. |
| M. W. G. M.–Most Worthy Grand Master; Most Worshipful Grand Master. |
| Myth.–Mythology. |
| N.–Neuter; North; Note; Noun; Number. |
| N. A.–National Academician; North America; North American. |
| N. A. S.–National Academy of Sciences. |
| Nat.–Natural; National. |
| Nath.–Nathanael, or Nathaniel. |
| Naut.–Nautical. |
| Naut. Alm.–Nautical Almanac. |
| N. B.–New Brunswick; North Britain (i. e. Scotland); North British (i. e. Scottish); Nota bene, mark well; take notice. |
| N. D.–No date; Not dated; North Dakota. |
| Neh.–Nehemiah. |
| N. e. i.–Non est inventus, he is not found. |
| Nem. con., or nem. diss.–Nemine contradicente, or nemine dissentiente, no one opposing or dissenting; unanimously. |
| N. l.–Non liquet, it does not appear. |
| N. lat.–North latitude. |
| N. M.–New measurement; New Mexico. |
| Nol. pros.–Nolle prosequi, unwilling to proceed. |
| Non-com.–Non-commissioned (officer). |
| Non cul.–Non culpabilis, not guilty. |
| Non obst.–Non obstante, not guilty. |
| Non pros.–Non prosequitur, he does not prosecute. |
| Non. seq.–Non sequitur, it does not follow. |
| Notts.–Nottinghamshire. |
| N. P.–Nisi Prius; Notary Public. |
| N. P. D.–North Polar Distance. |
| N. S.–New Series; New Style (after 1752); Novia Scotia. |
| N. S. J. C.–Noster Salvator Jesus Christus, Our Saviour Jesus Christ. |
| N. S. W.–New South Wales. |
| Num.–Numbers (Book of). |
| N. V.–New Version. |
| N. Z.–New Zealand. |
| Ob.–Obiit, he or she died. |
| Obs.–Obsolete; Observatory; Observation. |
| Oct., or 8vo.–Octavo. |
| O. F.–Odd Fellow, or Odd Fellows. |
| O. G.–Outside Guardian. |
| O. H. M. S.–On His or Her Majesty’s Service. |
| Olym.–Olympiad. |
| O. M.–Old Measurement; Order of Merit. |
| Opt.–Optics. |
| O. S.–Old Series; Old Style; Outside Sentinel. |
| O. U. A.–Order of United Americans. |
| Oxon.–Oxonia, Oxford; Oxoniæ, Oxoniensis, of Oxford. |
| Oz.–Onza, ounce. |
| P.–Page; Part; Particel; Pondere, by weight. |
| Pal.–Palæontology. |
| Parl.–Parliament. |
| Pathol.–Pathology. |
| Paym.-Gen.–Paymaster-General. |
| P. B.–Philosophiæ Bassalaureus, Bachelor of Philosophy; Primitive Baptist. |
| P. C.–Patres Conscripti, Conscript Fathers; Postal card; Privy Council; Privy Councilor. |
| P. C. P.–Past Chief Patriarch. |
| P. C. S.–Principal Clerk of Sessions. |
| Pd.–Paid. |
| P. D.–Philosophiæ Doctor, Doctor of Philosophy. |
| P. E.–Protestant Episcopal. |
| Per.–Persia; Persian. |
| Per ann.–Per annum, by the year. |
| Per cent.–Per centum, by the hundred. |
| Peri.–Perigee. |
| Per proc.–Per procurationem, by procuration, or by power of attorney. |
| Phar.–Pharmacy. |
| Ph. B.–Philosophiæ Baccalaureus, Bachelor of Philosophy. |
| Ph. D.–Philosophiæ Doctor, Doctor of Philosophy. |
| Ph. G.–Graduate in Pharmacy. |
| Phil.–Philadelphia; Philemon; Philip; Philippians; Philosophical; Philosophy. |
| Philem.–Philemon. |
| Philomath.–Philomathes, a lover of learning. |
| Phren.–Phrenology. |
| P. I.–Phillipine Islands. |
| Pinx., or pxt.–Pinxit, he (she) painted it. |
| P. M.–Passed Midshipman; Post meridiem, afternoon, evening; Postmaster; Past Master. |
| P. M. G.–Postmaster-General. |
| P. O.–Post Office; Province of Ontario. |
| P. of H.–Patrons of Husbandry. |
| P.-O. O.–Post-Office order. |
| PP.–Patres, Fathers. |
| P. P.–Parish priest; Per procurationem, by procuration, or by power of attorney. |
| P. P. C.–Pour prendre congé, to take leave. |
| P. Q.–Previous Question; Province of Quebec. |
| Pr.–Per, by, or by the. |
| P. R.–Populus Romanus, the Roman people; Porto Rico. |
| P. R. A.–President of the Royal Academy. |
| P. R. C.–Post Romanum conditum, from the building of Rome. |
| Presb.–Presbyterian. |
| Pro tem.–Pro tempore, for the time being. |
| Prov.–Proverbs; Province; Provost. |
| Prox.–Proximo, next (month). |
| P. R. S.–President of the Royal Society. |
| Prus.–Prussia; Prussian. |
| Ps.–Psalm, or Psalms. |
| P. S.–Post scriptum, postscript; Privy Seal. |
| Psych.–Psychic; Psychical; Psychology. |
| Pt.–Part; Pint; Payment; Point; Port. |
| P. T. O.–Please turn over. |
| P. W. P.–Past Worthy Patriarch. |
| Pwt.–Pennyweight; pennyweights. |
| Q.–Quadrigans, farthing; Quasi, as it were, almost; Queen; Query, or question. |
| Q. B.–Queen’s Bench. |
| Q. C.–Queen’s College; Queen’s Council. |
| Q. d.–Quadi dicat, as if he should say; quasi dictum, as if said; quasi dixisset, as if he had said. |
| Q. e.–Quod est, which is. |
| Q. e. d.–Quod erat demonstrandum, which was to be proved. |
| Q. e. f.–Quod erat faciendum, which was to be done. |
| Q. e. i.–Quod erat inveniendum, which was to be found out. |
| Q. l.–Quantum libet, as much as you please. |
| Qm.–Quomodo, how; by what means. |
| Q. M. G.–Quartermaster-General. |
| Q. p., or q. pl.–Quantum placet, as much as you please. |
| Q. S.–Quantum sufficit, as much as may suffice; Quarter Sessions. |
| Qt.–Quart. |
| Qu., or qy.–Quære, inquire; query. |
| Quad.–Quadrant; Quadrate. |
| Q. v.–Quod vite, which see; Quantum vis, as much as you will. |
| R.–Railroad; Railway; Recipe, take; Regina, Queen; River. |
| R. A.–Royal Academician; Royal Academy; Royal Arch; Royal Artillery. |
| RC.–Rescriptum, a counterpart. |
| R. C.–Roman Catholic. |
| R. C. S.–Royal College of Surgeons. |
| R. C. P.–Royal College of Physicians. |
| R. D.–Rural Dean. |
| R. E.–Reformed Episcopal; Royal Engineers. |
| Rec.–Recipe; Record; Recorder; Recording. |
| Recd.–Received. |
| Rect.–Rector; Receipt. |
| Ref.–Reformed; Reformation; Reference. |
| Reg.–Regiment; Register; Registrar; Regular. |
| Reg. Prof.–Regius Professor, Royal Professor. |
| Rev.–Reverend; Revelation (Book of); Review; Revenue; Revise. |
| R. H. S.–Royal Humane Society; Royal Historical Society. |
| R. I. P.–Requiescat in pace, Let him (her) rest in peace. |
| R. M.–Royal Marines; Royal Mail. |
| R. M. S.–Railway Mail Service; Royal Mail Service; Royal Mail Steamer. |
| R. N.–Royal Navy. |
| R. N. R.–Royal Naval Reserve. |
| Rom.–Roman; Romans. |
| R. P.–Reformed Presbyterian; Regius Professor, Royal Professor. |
| R. S. A.–Royal Society of Antiquaries; Royal Scottish Academy. |
| R. S. V. P.–Réspondez, s’il vous plaît, answer, if you please. |
| Rt. Hon.–Right Honorable. |
| Rt. Rev.–Right Reverend. |
| R. T. S.–Religious Tract Society. |
| Rt. Wpful.–Right Worshipful. |
| R. U. E.–Right upper entrance. |
| R. V.–Revised Version. |
| R. W. D. G. M.–Right Worshipful Deputy Grand Master. |
| R. W. G. R.–Right Worthy Grand Representative. |
| R. W. G. S.–Right Worthy Grand Secretary. |
| R. W. G. T.–Right Worthy Grand Treasurer; Right Worshipful Grand Templar. |
| R. W. G. W.–Right Worthy Grand Warden. |
| R. W. S. G. W.–Right Worshipful Senior Grand Warden. |
| Rx.–Rupees. |
| S.–Saint; Scribe; Second; Series; Solidus, a shilling; South; Sun; Sunday. |
| S. A.–Secundum artem, according to art; South America; South Australia. |
| S. A. S.–Societatis Antiquariorum Socius, Fellow of the Society of Antiquaries. |
| S. C.–Senatus Consultum, a decree of the Senate; Small capitals; South Carolina; Staff Corps; Supreme Court. |
| Sc.–Scene; Scilicet, namely, to wit; Scruple; Sculpsit, he (or she) engraved it. |
| Scan. Mag.–Scandalum magnatum, scandal of the great. |
| Scapa (S. C. A. P. A.)–Society for Checking Abuses in Public Advertising. |
| Sc. B.–Scientiæ Baccalaureus, Bachelor of Science. |
| Schol.–Scholium, a note. |
| Scr.–Scruple. |
| Scrip.–Scripture. |
| Sculp.–Sculpsit, he (or she) engraved it. |
| S. D. U. K.–Society for the Diffusion of Useful Knowledge. |
| Sec.–Secretary; Second; Section. |
| Sec. Leg.–Secretary of Legation; Secundum legem, according to law. |
| Sec. Reg.–Secundum regulam, according to rule. |
| Sem.–Semble, it seems; Seminary. |
| Seq.–Sequentia, following; Sequitur, it follows. |
| Serg.-Maj.–Sergeant-Major. |
| Sess.–Session. |
| S.-G.–Solicitor-General. |
| S. H. S.–Societatis Historiæ Socius, Fellow of the Historical Society. |
| S. I. M.–Society for Increase of the Military. |
| S. J.–Society of Jesus; a Jesuit. |
| S. M.–State Militia; Short Meter; Sergeant-Major; Sons of Malta. |
| S. M. Lond. Soc.–Societatis Medicæ Londonensis Socius, Member of the London Medical Society. |
| Soc. Isl.–Society Islands. |
| Sol.-Gen.–Solicitor-General. |
| S. P.–Sine prole, without issue. |
| S. P. A. S.–Societatis Philosophicæ Americanæ Socius, Member of the American Philosophical Society. |
| S. P. C. A.–Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals. |
| S. P. C. C.–Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Children. |
| S. P. C. K.–Society for the Promotion of Christian Knowledge. |
| S. P. G.–Society for the Propagation of the Gospel. |
| Sp. gr.–Specific gravity. |
| S. P. M.–Short particular metre. |
| S. P. Q. R.–Senatus Populusque Romanus, the Senate and people of Roman. |
| S. P. R. L.–Society for the Promotion of Religion and Learning. |
| Sq.–Sequens, following; usually et seq., and following (pages); Square. |
| Sqq.–Sequentibus, the following (pages or places). |
| S. R. I.–Sacrum Romanun Imperium, Holy Roman Empire. |
| S. R. S.–Societatis Regiæ Socius, Fellow of the Royal Society. |
| SS.–Saints; Scilicet, to wit; Semis, half; Sessions. |
| S. S.–Steamship; Sunday-school. |
| S. S. E.–South-southeast. |
| S. S. W.–South-southwest. |
| St.–Saint; Street. |
| S. T. B.–Sacræ Theologiæ Baccalaureus, Bachelor of Sacred Theology. |
| S. T. D.–Sacræ Theologiæ Doctor, Doctor of Sacred Theology. |
| Ster., or Stg.–Sterling. |
| S. T. P.–Sacræ Theologiæ Professor, Professor of Sacred Theology. |
| Su.-Goth.–Suio-Gothic. |
| Sup.–Superfine; Supplement; Supra, above; Supreme. |
| Surg.–Surgeon; Surgery. |
| Surg.-Gen.–Surgeon-General. |
| S. V.–Sub voce, under the word or title. |
| Syn.–Synonym; synonymous. |
| Syr.–Syriac. |
| Tan.–Tangent. |
| T. E.–Topographical Engineers. |
| Tel.–Telegraph or Telephone. |
| Text. Rec.–Textus Receptus, Received Text. |
| Thess.–Thessalonians. |
| Tob.–Tobit. |
| Tom.–Tome, volume. |
| Topog.–Topography; Topographical. |
| Tr.–Transpose; Translator; Translation; Trustee. |
| Trans.–Translator; Translation; Transactions; Transpose. |
| Tur.–Turkey. |
| Typ.–Typical; Typographer; Typographical. |
| U.–Union. |
| U. B.–United Brethren. |
| U. C.–Upper Canada; Urbe condita, year of the founding of Rome. |
| U. J. D.–Utriusque Juris Doctor, Doctor of both Laws (Canon and Civil). |
| U. K.–United Kingdom. |
| U. K. A.–Ulster King-at-Arms; United Kingdom Alliance. |
| Ult.–Ultimo, last; of the last month. |
| U. P.–United Presbyterian. |
| U. S.–United States. |
| U. S. A.–United States of America; United States Army. |
| U. S. M.–United States Mail; United States Marines. |
| U. S. M. A.–United States Military Academy. |
| U. S. M. C.–United States Marine Corps. |
| U. S. M. H. S.–United States Marine Hospital Service. |
| U. S. N.–United States Navy. |
| U. S. N. A.–United States Naval Academy. |
| U. S. S.–United States Senate; United States Ship. |
| U. s. w.–Und so weiter, and so further; same as “etc.” |
| V.–Versus, against; Versiculo, in such a verse; Vide, see. |
| Val.–Valorem; Value. |
| Vat.–Vatican. |
| V. C.–Victoria Cross; Vice-Chairman; Vice-Chancellor. |
| V. D. M.–Verbi Dei Minister, Minister of God’s word. |
| V. G.–Vicar-General. |
| V. G.–Verbi gratia, as for example. |
| Vid.–Vide, see. |
| Visc.–Viscount. |
| Viz., or vl.–Videlicet, to wit; namely; that is to say. |
| Vo.–Verso, left-hand page. |
| Vols.–Volunteers; Volumes. |
| V. P.–Vice-President. |
| V. R.–Victoria Regina, Queen Victoria. |
| Vs.–Versus, against; Versiculo, in such a verse. |
| V. S.–Veterinary Surgeon. |
| Vul.–Vulgate. |
| W. B. M.–Woman’s Board of Missions. |
| W. C. A.–Woman’s Christian Association. |
| W. F.–Wrong font. |
| W. F. M. S.–Woman’s Foreign Missionary Society. |
| W. H. M. A.–Woman’s Home Missionary Association. |
| W. M.–Worshipful Master. |
| W. M. S.–Wesleyan Missionary Society. |
| W. N. C. T. U.–Woman’s National Christian Temperance Union. |
| W. S.–Writer to the Signet. |
| Χ., or Χt.–Christ. (Χ in this and the following abbreviations if the Greek chi.) |
| Χmas., or Χm.–Christmas. |
| Χn., or Χtian.–Christian. |
| Χnty., or Χty.–Christianity. |
| Χper., or Χr.–Christopher. |
| Y. M. C. A.–Young Men’s Christian Association. |
| Y. M. C. U.–Young Men’s Christian Union. |
| Y. P. S. C. E.–Young People’s Society of Christian Endeavor. |
| Y. W. C. A.–Young Women’s Christian Association. |
| Zach.–Zachary. |
| Zech.–Zechariah. |
| Zeph.–Zephaniah. |