'abrege' originates from Old French, specifically the word 'abregier,' where 'a-' meant 'to' and 'bregier' meant 'shorten.'

'abregier' transformed into the Middle English word 'abregge,' and eventually became the modern English word 'abrege.'

Initially, it meant 'to shorten or condense,' but over time it evolved into its current meaning of 'a summary or abstract.'