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

'abregier' transformed into the Middle English word 'abreggen,' and eventually became the modern English word 'abridge.'

Initially, it meant 'to shorten or condense,' and this meaning has largely remained the same in modern usage.