Abbreviations, Contractions and Degrees
Military or naval and some professional titles preceding names are nearly always abbreviated; as Capt. Jones, Dr. Brown, Rev. Dr. Smith.
Titles of collegiate degree are abbreviated; as, William Lee, Ph. D., LL. D.
In general writing, it is better to avoid abbreviation as far as possible.
A., a. Adjective.
A. Alto.
A., ans. Answer.
a., @ (Lat. ad). To; At.
ä, ää. The like quantity of each.
A. A. A. S. American Association for the Advancement of Science.
A. B. (Lat. artium baccalaureus). Bachelor of Arts.
Abbr., Abbrev. Abbreviated, Abbreviation.
Abl., ablat. Ablative.
Abp. Archbishop.
A. C. (Lat. ante Christum). Before Christ; Analytical Chemist.
Acad. Academy.
Acc., Accus. Accusative.
Acc., Acct. Account.
A. D. (Lat. anno Domini). In the year of our Lord.
A. D. C. Aide-de-camp.
Ad., advt. Advertisement.
Adj. Adjective.
Adjt. Adjutant.
Adjt. Gen. Adjutant-General.
Ad lib., Ad libit. (Lat. ad libitum). At pleasure.
Adm. Admiral.
Admr. Administrator.
Admx. Administratrix.
Adv. Adverb.
Æ., Æt. (Lat. ætatis). Of Age, Aged.
A. G., Agt.-Gen. Adjutant-General.
Ag. (Lat. argentum). Silver.
Agl. Dept. Agricultural Department.
Agr., Agric. Agriculture, Agricultural.
Agt. Agent.
A. L. of H. American Legion of Honor.
Al., Ala. Alabama.
Alas. Ter. Alaska Territory.
Ald. Alderman.
Alex. Alexander.
Alf. Alfred.
Alg. Algebra.
A. M. (Lat. anno mundi). In the year of the world.
A. M. (Lat. ante meridiem). Before noon.
A. M. (Lat. artium magister). Master of Arts.
Am., Amer. America, American.
Amer. Phil. Soc. American Philosophical Society.
Amt. Amount.
an. (Lat. anno). In the year.
Anal. Analysis.
Anat. Anatomy, Anatomical.
Anc. Ancient.
Anon. Anonymous.
Ans. Answer.
Ant., Antiq. Antiquities, Antiquarian.
Anthrop. Anthropology, Anthropological.
A. O. U. W. Ancient Order of United Workmen.
Ap., App. Apostle, Apostles.
A. P. A. American Protestant Association; American Protective Association.
Apoc. Apocalypse, Apocrypha.
Apog. Apogee.
App. Appendix.
approx. Approximate, -ly.
Apr. April.
Aq. (Lat. aqua). Water.
Ar. Arab. Arabic, Arabian.
A. R. A. Associate of the Royal Academy.
Arab. Arabic, Arabian.
Aram. Aramaic.
Arch. Architecture.
Archæol. Archæology.
Archd. Archdeacon.
Arith. Arithmetic, Arithmetical.
Ariz. Arizona.
Ark. Arkansas.
Art. Article.
A. S., A.-S. Anglo-Saxon.
Asst. Assistant.
A. S. S. U. American Sunday School Union.
Assyr. Assyrian.
Astrol. Astrology.
Astron. Astronomy, Astronomical.
Atty. Attorney.
Atty.-Gen. Attorney-General.
A. U. A. American Unitarian Association.
A. U. C. (Lat. anno urbis conditæ). In the year from the building of the city—Rome.
Aug. Augustus; August.
Auxil. Auxiliary.
Avoir. Avoirdupois.
B., Brit. British.
b. Born.
B. A. Bachelor of Arts [A. B.]
Bal. Balance.
Balt., Balto. Baltimore.
Bap., Bapt. Baptist.
Bar. Barrel, Barometer.
Bart., Bt. Baronet.
bbl., bbls. Barrel, Barrels.
B. C. Before Christ.
B. C. L. (Lat. baccalaureus civilis legis). Bachelor of Civil Law.
B. D. (Lat. baccalaureus divinitatis). Bachelor of Divinity.
Bd. Bound.
Bdls. Bundles.
B. E. Bachelor of the Elements; Bachelor of Elocution.
Belg. Belgic, Belgian.
Ben., Benj. Benjamin.
Bib. Bible, Biblical.
Biog. Biography, Biographical.
Biol. Biology, Biological.
B. L., B. L. L. (Lat. baccalaureus legum). Bachelor of Laws.
B. ès L. (F. Bachelier ès Lettres). Bachelor of Letters.
bls. Bales.
B. M. (Lat. baccalaureus medicinæ). Bachelor of Medicine.
B. M., B. Mus. (Lat. baccalaureus musicæ). Bachelor of Music.
B. O. Branch Office.
B. O. Bachelor of Oratory.
Boh. Bohemian or Czech.
Bot. Botany, Botanical.
Bp. Bishop.
Br., Bro. Brother.
Brig. Brigade.
Brig.-Gen. Brigadier-General.
Brit. Britain, Britannia, British.
B. S. Bachelor of Surgery; Bachelor of Science.
B. Sc. (Lat. baccalaureus scientiæ). Bachelor of Science.
Bt. Baronet.
bush. Bushel.
B. V. Blessed Virgin.
B. V. M. Blessed Virgin Mary.
bx., bxs. Box, Boxes.
C. Cent, Cents; Centigrade; Consul; Centime, Centimes; a hundred.
C., Cap. (Lat. caput). Chapter.
C. A. Chartered Accountant.
Cal. California; Calendar.
Cant. Canticle.
Cantab. (Lat. Cantabrigiensis). Of Cambridge.
Cap. (Lat. caput). Capital; Chapter.
Caps. Capitals.
Capt. Captain.
Card. Cardinal.
Cath. Catharine; Catholic.
C. D. V. Carte-de-Visite.
C. E. Civil Engineer.
Celt. Celtic.
Cent. (centum). A hundred; Centigrade.
Centig. Centigrade.
Cert., Certif. Certify; Certificate.
Cf. (Lat. confer). Compare.
C. ft. Cubic feet.[726]
C. G. Coastguard; Commissary-General.
C. G. S. Centimetre-Gramme-Second.
C. H. Court House.
Ch. Church; Chapter.
Chal., Chald. Chaldee.
Chan. Chancellor.
Chap. Chapter.
Chas. Charles.
Chem. Chemistry, Chemical.
Ch. Hist. Church History.
Chr. Christ; Christian; Christopher.
Chron. Chronology, Chronological.
Cit. Citation; Citizen.
Civ. Civil.
C. J. Chief Justice.
Class. Classical.
Clk. Clerk.
cm. Centimetre.
C. M. Certified Master; Common metre.
C. M. (Lat. chirurgiæ magister). Master in Surgery.
C. M. G. Companion of the Order of St. Michael and George.
Co. Company; County.
C. O. D. Cash on delivery; Collect (payment) on delivery.
Col. Colonel; Colossians; Column.
Colloq. Colloquial; Colloquialism; Colloquially.
Colo. Colorado.
Com. Commander; Commerce; Commissioner; Committee; Commodore; Common.
Comm. Commentary; Commerce.
Comp. Compare; Comparative; Compound, Compounded.
Con., contra (Lat.). Against.
Con. Cr. Contra Credit.
Cong. Congregation, Congregational, Congregationalist; Congress.
Conj. Conjunction.
Conn. Connecticut.
Contr. Contracted, Contraction.
Cop., Copt. Coptic.
Cor. Corinthians.
Cor. Mem. Corresponding Member.
Corrup. Corruption, Corrupted.
Cor. Sec. Corresponding Secretary.
Cos. Cosine.
C. P. Clerk of the Peace; Common Pleas.
C. P. A. Certified Public Accountant.
C. P. C. Clerk of the Privy Council.
C. P. S. (Lat. custos privati sigilli). Keeper of the Privy Seal.
C. Q. D. Come quick—danger.
Cr. Credit, Creditor.
C. R. (Lat. Civus Romanus). Roman Citizen.
C. R. (Lat. custos rotulorum). Keeper of the Rolls.
Cres. Crescendo.
Crystall., Crystallog. Crystallography.
C. S. A. Confederate States of America.
C. S. Court of Sessions, Clerk to the Signet.
Csks. Casks.
Ct. (Lat. centum). A hundred.
Ct. Court.
Ct., Conn. Connecticut.
C. T. A. U. Catholic Total Abstinence Union.
Cu. (Lat. cuprum). Copper.
Cub., Cu. ft. Cubic, Cubic foot.
Cur., Curt. Current—this month.
Cwt. A hundredweight; Hundredweights.
Cyc. Cyclopædia.
d. (Lat. denarius, denarii). A penny, Pence.
d. Died.
Dan. Daniel; Danish.
Dat. Dative.
Dav. David.
D. C., Dist. Col. District of Columbia.
D. C. L. Doctor of Civil (or Canon) Law.
D. D. (Lat. divinitatis doctor). Doctor of Divinity.
D. D. S. Doctor of Dental Surgery.
D. E. Dynamic Engineer.
D. Eng. Doctor of Engineering.
Dec. December.
decim. Decimetre.
Def. Definition.
Deft. Defendant.
Deg. Degree, Degrees.
Del. Delaware.
Dep., Dept. Department.
Dep. Deputy.
Der. Derived, Derivation.
Deut. Deuteronomy.
D. G. (Lat. Dei gratia). By the grace of God.
Dict. Dictionary.
Dim., Dimin. Diminutive.
Dis., Disct. Discount.
Dist. District.
Dist. Atty. District Attorney.
Div. Divide; Dividend; Division; Divisor.
D. Lit., D. Litt. Doctor of Literature.
D. L. O. Dead Letter Office.
D. M., D. Mus. Doctor of Music.
D. M. D. Doctor of Dental Medicine.
D. O. Doctor of Osteopathy; Doctor of Optics.
Do. (Ital. ditto). The same.
Dols. Dollars.
Doz. Dozen.
Dpt. Deponent.
Dr. Debtor; Doctor; Dram, Drams.
Dram. Dramatic, Dramatically.
D. Sc. Doctor of Science.
D. T. (Lat. doctor theologiæ). Doctor of Theology.
Du., Dut. Dutch.
Dub. Dublin.
Duo., 12mo. Duodecimo (twelve folds).
D. V. (Lat. Deo volente). God willing.
D. V. M. Doctor of Veterinary Medicine.
D. V. S. Doctor of Veterinary Surgery.
Dwt. (Lat. denarius, an English weight). Pennyweight, Pennyweights.
Dynam. Dynamics.
E. East, Eastern; English; Edinburgh.
Ea. Each.
Eccl., Eccles. Ecclesiastical.
Econ. Economy.
Ed. Editor; Edition; Edinburgh.
Ed., Edm. Edmund.
Edin. Edinburgh.
Edw. Edward.
E. E. Electrical Engineer.
e. g. (Lat. exempli gratia). For example.
Elec., Elect. Electric, Electricity.
Eliz. Elizabeth, Elizabethan.
Emp. Emperor, Empress.
Ency., Encyclo. Encyclopædia.
E. N. E. East-northeast.
Eng. England, English.
Eng., Engin. Engineer, Engineering.
Eng. Dept. Department of Engineers.
Ent., Entom. Entomology, Entomological.
Env. Ext. Envoy extraordinary.
Eph. Ephesians; Ephraim.
Epiph. Epiphany.
Epis. Episcopal.
Epist. Epistle, epistolary.
Eq. Equal, equivalent.
Equiv. Equivalent.
Esd. Esdras.
E. S. E. East-southeast.
Esq., Esqr. Esquire.
et al (Lat. et alibi). And elsewhere.
et al. (Lat. et alii, or aliæ, alia). And others.
etc., &c. (Lat. et cæteri, cæteræ, or cætera). And others, and so forth.
Ethnol. Ethnology, ethnological.
et seq., sq., or sqq. (Lat. et sequentes, or et sequentia). And the following.
Etym. or Etymol., Etymology.
Ex. Example; Examined; Exception; Exodus.
Exc. Excellency; Except, excepted.
Exch. Exchange; Exchequer.
Ex. Doc. Executive Document.
Exec. Executor.
Execx. Executrix.
Exod. Exodus.
Exon. (Lat. Exonia). Exeter.
Exr. Executor.
Exx. Executrix.
Ez. Ezra.
Ezek. Ezekiel.
E. & O. E. Errors and omissions excepted.
F. Fellow; Folio; Fahrenheit.
f. Farthing, farthings.
f., fem. Feminine.
f. Franc, francs.
Fahr. Fahrenheit.
F. A. S. Fellow of the Society of Arts.
F. C. Free Church of Scotland.
Fcp. Foolscap.
F. C. S. Fellow of the Chemical Society.
F. D., Fid. Def. (Lat. Fidei Defensor). Defender of the Faith.
Feb. February.
Fec. (Lat. fecit). He (or She) did it.
Fem. Feminine.
F. E. S. Fellow of the Entomological (or Ethnological) Society.
Feud. Feudal.
F. F. V. First Families of Virginia. (Humorous).
F. G. S. Fellow of the Geological Society.
fi. fa., Fieri facias. (Lat.). A form of judicial writ.
Fig. Figure, figures; figurative, figuratively.
Fl. Flemish; Florin, florins; Flourished.
Fla. Florida.
Flem. Flemish.
F. L. S. Fellow of the Linnæan Society.
F. M. Field Marshal.[727]
Fo., Fol. Folio.
F. O. Foreign Office; Field Officer.
F. O. B. Free on board.
For. Foreign.
Fort. Fortification.
F. P. Fire-plug.
Fr. France, French; Francis; Francs.
fr. From.
F. R. C. S. Fellow of the Royal College of Surgeons.
Fred. Frederick.
F. R. G. S. Fellow of the Royal Geographical Society.
Fri. Friday.
F. R. S. Fellow of the Royal Society.
F. S. A. Fellow of the Society of Arts, or of Antiquaries.
Ft. Fort; Foot, feet.
Fth. Fathom.
Fur. Furlong.
F. Z. S. Fellow of the Zoölogical Society.
F. & A. M. Free and Accepted Masons.
G. Genitive; Guinea, guineas; Gulf.
Ga. Georgia.
Gael. Gaelic; Gadhelic.
Gal. Galatians.
gal. Gallon, gallons.
G. A. R. Grand Army of the Republic.
G. C. B. Grand Cross of the Bath.
G. C. H. Grand Cross of Hanover.
G. C. L. H. Grand Cross of the Legion of Honor.
G. C. M. G. Grand Cross SS. Michael and George.
G. C. S. I. Grand Commander of the Star of India.
G. D. Grand Duke, Grand Duchess.
Gen. General.
Gen. Genesis; Genitive.
Gend. Gender.
Genit. Genitive.
Gent. Gentleman, gentlemen.
Geo. George; Georgia.
Geog. Geography, geographical.
Geol. Geology, geological.
Geom. Geometry, geometrical.
Ger., Germ. German.
Gi. Gill, gills.
G. L. Grand Lodge.
G. M. Grand Master.
Go., Goth. Gothic.
G. O. P. Grand Old Party.
Gov. Governor.
Gov.-Gen. Governor-General.
Govt. Government.
G. P.-O. General Post-Office.
gr. Grain, grains; Gross.
Gr. Great; Greek.
Gram. Grammar, grammatical.
gro. Gross.
G. T. Good Templars; Grand Tyler.
gtt. (Lat. gutta or guttæ). Drop or drops.
H. Hour, hours.
H. B. M. His (or Her) Britannic Majesty.
H. C. Heralds’ College; House of Commons.
H. C. M. His (or Her) Catholic Majesty.
h. e. (Lat. hoc est, hic est). That (or this) is.
Heb., Hebr. Hebrew, Hebrews.
Her. Heraldry, heraldic.
Hf.-bd. Half-bound.
H. H. His (or Her) Highness; His Holiness (the pope).
Hhd. Hogshead, hogsheads.
H. I. H. His (or Her) Imperial highness.
Hind. Hindu, Hindustan, Hindustani.
Hist. History, historical.
H. J., H. J. S. (Lat. hic jacet, hic jacet sepultus). Here lies, Here lies buried.
H. M. His (or Her) Majesty.
H. M. S. His (or Her) Majesty’s Service, Ship, or Steamer.
Hon., Honble. Honorable.
Hor., Horol. Horology, horological.
Hort., Hortic. Horticulture, horticultural.
H. P. Half-pay; High Priest; Horse power.
H. R. House of Representatives.
H. R. E. Holy Roman Empire, or Emperor.
H. R. H. His (or Her) Royal Highness.
Hun., Hung. Hungary, Hungarian.
Hund. Hundred, hundreds.
Hydraul. Hydraulics.
Hydros. (See Hyd.)
Hypoth. Hypothesis, hypothetical.
I. Island.
Ia. Iowa.
Ib., Ibid. (Lat. ibidem). In the same place.
Icel. Iceland, Icelandic.
Ich., Ichth. Ichthyology.
Id. (Lat. idem). The same.
Ida. Idaho.
i. e. (Lat. id est). That is.
I. H. S. (Lat. Iesus [or Jesus] Hominum Salvator). Jesus the Savior of Men.
Ill. Illinois.
Imp. (Lat. imperator). Emperor; Imperial; impersonal.
Imp., Imperf. Imperfect.
in. Inch, inches.
Incog. (Ital. incognito, incognita). Unknown.
Ind. India, Indian; Indiana.
Indic. Indicative.
Ind. Ter. Indian Territory.
Inf., Infin. Infinitive.
In loc. (Lat. in loco). In its place.
I. N. R. I. (Lat. Iesus [or Jesus] Nazarenus Rex Iudæorum [or Judæorum]). Jesus of Nazareth, King of the Jews.
Ins., Insur. Insurance.
Ins.-Gen. Inspector-General.
Inst. Instant; the present month; Institute, Institution.
Int. Interest.
Int. Dept. Department of the Interior.
Interj. Interjection.
Intrans. Intransitive.
In trans. (Lat. in transitu). On the passage.
Int. Rev. Internal Revenue.
Introd. Introduction.
Io. Iowa.
I. O. F. Independent Order of Foresters.
I. O. G. T. Independent Order of Good Templars.
I. O. O. F. Independent Order of Oddfellows.
I. O. R. M. Improved Order of Red Men.
I. O. S. M. Independent Order of Sons of Malta.
I. O. U. I owe you.
i. q. (Lat. idem quod). The same as.
Ir. Ireland, Irish.
Irreg. Irregular.
Is., Isa. Isaiah.
I. S. Irish Society.
Isl. Island.
I. S. M. Jesus Salvator Mundi.
It., Ital. Italy; Italic; Italian.
Itin. Itinerary.
J. Judge; Justice.
J. A. Judge-Advocate.
Jac. Jacob, Jacobus (= James).
Jan. January.
J. A. G. Judge Advocate General.
J. C. Jesus Christ.
J. C. D. (Lat. juris civilis doctor). Doctor of Civil Law.
J. D. (Lat. jurum doctor), Doctor of Laws.
Jer. Jeremiah.
J. H. S. [I. H. S.]
Jno. John.
Jon., Jona. Jonathan.
Jos. Joseph.
Josh. Joshua.
Jour. Journal.
J. P. Justice of the Peace.
Jr. Juror; Junior.
J. U. D. (Lat. Juris utriusque doctor). Doctor of both laws (i. e., of civil and canon law).
Jud. Judith.
Judg. Judges.
Jul. July; Julius; Julian.
Jun. June.
Jun., Junr. Junior.
Juris. Jurisprudence.
K. King; Knight.
Kan., Ks. Kansas.
K. B. Knight of the Bath.
K. B. King’s Bench.
K. C. King’s Counsel; Knights of Columbus.
K. C. B. Knight Commander of the Bath.
K. C. H. Knight Commander of the Guelphs of Hanover.
K. C. M. G. Knight Commander of St. Michael and St. George.
K. E. Knight of the Eagle.
Ken., Ky. Kentucky.
K. G. Knight of the Garter.
K. G. E. Knight of the Golden Eagle.
K. G. C. 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.
K. G. H. Knight of the Guelphs of Hanover.
Kilog. Kilogramme.
Kilom., Kilo. Kilometre.
Kingd. Kingdom.
K. L. H. Knight of the Legion of Honor.
K. M. Knight of Malta.
Kn. N. S. Knight of the Loyal Northern Star (Sweden).
Knick. Knickerbocker.
Knt. Knight.
K. of P. Knights of Pythias.
Ks. Kansas.
K. S. Knight of the Sword (Sweden).
Kt. Knight.[728]
K. T. Knight of the Thistle; Knight Templar.
K. T. S. Knight of Tower and Sword (Portugal).
Ky. Kentucky.
L. Latin; Lake; Lord; Lady.
L., l, £. (Lat. libra). Pound, pounds (sterling).
L., lb. ℔ lb. (Lat. libra). Pound, pounds (weight).
La. Louisiana.
L. A. Law Agent; Literate in Arts.
Lam. Lamentations.
Lat. Latin; Latitude.
lb. Pound, pounds (weight).
L. c. Lower case (in printing).
L. c., loc. cit. (Lat. loco citato). The place cited.
L. C. Lord Chamberlain; Lord Chancellor.
L. C. J. Lord Chief-Justice.
Ldp. Lordship.
Leg., Legis. Legislature, legislative.
Leip. Leipsic.
Lev. Leviticus.
Lex. Lexicon.
Lexicog. Lexicography, lexicographer, lexicographical.
L. G. Life Guards.
L. Ger. Low German or Platt Deutsch.
L. H. D. Doctor of Humanities.
L. I. Light Infantry; Long Island.
Lib. (Lat. liber). Book.
Lib. Library, librarian.
Lieut., Lt. Lieutenant.
Lieut.-col. Lieutenant-colonel.
Lieut.-gen. Lieutenant-general.
Lieut.-gov. Lieutenant-governor.
lin. Lineal, or right-line measures; e. g., lin. yd.; lin. ft., etc.
Linn. Linnæus, Linné, Linnæan.
Liq. Liquor, liquid.
Lit. Literally, literature, library.
Lit. D., Litt. D. (Lat. literarum doctor). Doctor of Literature.
Lith. Lithography.
Liv. Livre.
LL. B. (Lat. legum baccalaureus). Bachelor of Laws.
LL. D. (Lat. legum doctor). Doctor of Laws.
LL. M. Master of Laws.
L. M. Long metre.
Lon., Lond. London.
Lon., Long. Longitude.
Loq. (Lat. loquitur). He (or she) speaks.
Lou. Louisiana.
L. S. (Lat. locus sigilli). Place of the seal.
L. s. d. (Lat. libræ, solidi, denarii). Pounds, shillings, pence.
Lt. Lieutenant.
Lt. Inf. Light Infantry.
Luth. Lutheran.
m. Married; Masculine; Mètre, mètres; Mile, miles; Minute, minutes.
M. Marquis; Middle; Monday; Morning; Monsieur.
M. (Lat. mille). Thousand.
M. (Lat. meridies). Meridian, Noon.
M. A. (Master of Arts). [A. M.]
Mac., Macc. Maccabees.
Mad., Madm. Madam.
Mag. Magyar; Magazine.
Maj. Major.
Maj.-gen. Major-general.
Mal. Malachi; Malay, Malayan.
Manuf. Manufactures, manufacturing.
Mar. March; Maritime.
Marq. Marquis.
Mass. Massachusetts.
Math. Mathematics, mathematician, mathematical.
Matt. Matthew.
M. B. (Lat. medicinæ baccalaureus). Bachelor of Medicine.
M. B. (Lat. musicæ baccalaureus). Bachelor of Music.
M. C. Member of Congress; Master of Ceremonies.
Mch. March.
M. D. (Lat. medicinæ doctor). Doctor of Medicine.
Md. Maryland.
Mdlle. (Fr. mademoiselle). Miss.
Mdse. Merchandise.
M. E. Most Excellent; Military Engineer; Mining Engineer; Mechanical Engineer.
M. E. Methodist Episcopal.
Me. Maine.
Meas. Measure.
Mech. Mechanics, mechanical.
Med. Medicine, medical; Mediæval.
Mem. Memorandum, memoranda.
Messrs. (Fr. messieurs). Gentlemen.
Metall. Metallurgy.
Metaph. Metaphysics; Metaphorically.
Meteor. Meteorology, meteorological.
Meth. Methodist.
Mex. Mexico.
Mfd., Mfs. Manufactured, manufactures.
Mfg. Manufacturing.
M. H. Ger. Middle High German.
M. I. C. E. Member of the Institute of Civil Engineers.
Mich. Michaelmas; Michigan.
Mid. Middle; Midshipman.
Mil., Milit. Military.
M. I. M. E. Member of the Institute of Mining Engineers.
Min. Mineralogy, mineralogical; Minute, minutes.
Minn. Minnesota.
Min. Plen. Minister Plenipotentiary.
Miss. Mississippi.
Mlle. (Fr. mademoiselle). Miss.
MM. Their Majesties.
MM. (Fr. messieurs). Gentlemen.
mm. Millemetres; Micrometers.
Mme. (Fr. madame). Madame.
M. N. A. S. Member of the National Academy of Sciences.
Mo. Missouri; Month.
Mod. Modern.
Mod. (Ital. moderato). Moderately.
Mon. Monday.
Mons. (Fr. monsieur). Sir, Mr.
Mont. Montana.
M. P. Member of Parliament.
M. P. P. Member of Provincial Parliament.
M. P. S. Member of the Pharmaceutical Society; Member of the Philological Society.
Mr. Master, Mister.
M. R. A. S. Member of the Royal Asiatic Society.
M. R. C. P. Member of the Royal College of Physicians.
M. R. C. S. Member of the Royal College of Surgeons.
M. R. G. S. Member of the Royal Geographical Society.
M. R. I. Member of the Royal Institution.
Mrs. Mistress (when abbreviated pronounced mis´sis).
M. S. Master of Surgery.
M. S. Master of Science.
M. S. (Lat. Memoriæ sacrum). Sacred to the memory of.
MS. Manuscript.
MSS. Manuscripts.
Mt., Mts. Mount, mountains.
Mus. Museum; Music, musical.
Mus. B. (Lat. Musicæ Baccalaureus). Bachelor of Music.
Mus. D., Mus. Doc., Mus. Doct. (Lat. Musicæ Doctor). Doctor of Music.
Myth. Mythology, mythological.
N. Noon; North; Noun; Number; New; Neuter.
N. A. North America, North American.
Nap. Napoleon.
Nat. Natural; National; Natal.
Nat. Hist. Natural History.
Nat. Phil. Natural Philosophy.
Naut. Nautical.
N. B. New Brunswick; North Britain (i. e. Scotland).
N. B. (Lat. Nota bene). Note well, Take notice.
N. C. North Carolina.
N. D., N. Dak. North Dakota.
N. E. New England; Northeast.
Neb. Nebraska.
Neg. Negative, negatively.
Neth. Netherlands.
Neut. Neuter.
Nev. Nevada.
New Test., N. T. New Testament.
N. F. Newfoundland.
N. H. New Hampshire.
N. J. New Jersey.
N. Lat. North Latitude.
N. M. New Mexico.
N. N. E. North-northeast.
N. N. W. North-northwest.
No. (Lat. numero). Number.
nol. pros. (nolle prosequi). To be unwilling to proceed.
Nom. Nominative.
Non con. Non-content, dissentient. (The formula in which Members of the House of Lords vote.)
Non obst. (Lat. non obstante). Notwithstanding.
Non pros. (Lat. non prosequitur). He does not prosecute.
Non seq. (Lat. non sequitur). It does not follow (as a consequence).
n. o. p. Not otherwise provided for.
Nor., Norm. Norman.
Nor. Fr., Norm. Fr. Norman French.
Norw. Norway, Norwegian, Norse.
Nos. Numbers.
Nov. November.
N. P. Notary Public.
N. S. New style (since 1752); Nova Scotia.
N. T. New Testament.
Num., Numb. Numbers.
N. V. M. Nativity of the Virgin Mary.
N. W. Northwest.
N. W. T. Northwest Territory.[729]
N. Y. New York.
N. Z. New Zealand.
O. Ohio; Old.
ob. (Lat. obiit.) He (or she) died.
Ob., Obad. Obadiah.
Obdt., Obt. Obedient.
Obj. Objective.
Obs. Obsolete.
Oct. October.
Oct., 8vo. Octavo.
O. H. Ger. Old High German.
O. K. “All correct.”
Okl. Oklahoma.
Old Test., O. T. Old Testament.
Olym. Olympiad.
Op. Opposite, opposition.
Opt. Optative; Optics, optical.
Ordn. Ordnance.
Ore. Oregon.
Orig. Original, originally.
Ornith. Ornithology, ornithological.
O. S. Old Style (previous to 1752); Old Saxon.
O. S. A. Order of St. Augustine.
O. S. F. Order of St. Francis.
O. T. Old Testament.
O. U. A. M. Order of United American Mechanics.
Oxf. Oxford.
Oxon. (Lat. Oxonia, Oxoniensis). Oxford; of Oxford.
Oxonien. (Lat. Oxoniensis). Of Oxford.
oz. Ounce. [The z in this contraction and in viz., represents an old symbol (ʒ), used to mark a terminal contraction.]
P. Page; Participle; Past; Pole; Port.
Pa. Pennsylvania.
P. a., par. a. Participial adjective.
Paint. Painting.
Pal., Palæont. Palæontology, palæontological.
Par. Paragraph.
Parl. Parliament, parliamentary.
Part. Participle.
Pass. Passive.
Pat. Patrick.
Payt. Payment.
P.C. (Lat. Patres Conscripti). Conscript Fathers.
P. C. Police Constable; Privy Council, Privy Councilor.
Pd. Paid.
P. E. Protestant Episcopal.
P. E. I. Prince Edward Island.
Penn. Pennsylvania.
Pent. Pentecost.
Per., Pers. Persia; Persian; Personal.
Per. an. (Lat. per annum). Yearly.
Per cent., per ct. (Lat. per centum). By the hundred.
Perf. Perfect.
Persp. Perspective.
Peruv. Peruvian.
Pet. Peter.
P. G. M. Past Grand Master.
Phar., Pharm. Pharmacy.
Ph. B. (Lat. Philosophiæ Baccalaureus). Bachelor of Philosophy.
Ph. D. (Lat. Philosophiæ Doctor). Doctor of Philosophy.
Phil., Phila. Philadelphia.
Phil. Philip; Philippians; Philosophy, philosophical.
Philol. Philology.
Philos. Philosophy, philosophical.
Ph. M. Master of Philosophy.
Photog. Photography, photographic, photographer.
Phren., phrenol. Phrenology, phrenological.
Phys. Physics, physical, physiology, physiological.
Physiol. Physiology, physiological.
Pinx., Pxt. (Lat. pinxit). He (or she) painted it.
Pk. Peck.
Pl. Place; Plate; Plural.
P. L. Poet Laureate.
Plff., Pltff. Plaintiff.
Plu. Plural.
Plup., Plupf. Pluperfect.
Plur. Plural.
P. M. (Lat. post meridiem). Afternoon.
P. M. Past Master; Peculiar Meter; Postmaster.
P. M. G. Postmaster-General.
P. O. Post-office.
P. & O. Co. Peninsular and Oriental Steam Navigation Company.
Pol. Polish.
Polit. Econ. Political Economy.
P. O. O. Post-office order.
Pop. Population.
Port. Portugal, Portuguese.
Poss. Possessive.
pp. Pages.
p. p. Past (or perfect) participle.
P. P. (Lat. pater patriæ). Father of his country.
P. C. C. (Ft. pour prendre congé). To take leave. [T. T. L.]
Pph. Pamphlet.
p. pr. Present participle.
Pr. Present; Priest; Prince.
P. R. (Lat. populus Romanus). The Roman people.
P. R. C. (Lat. Post Roman conditam). After the building of Rome. [A. U. C.]
Pref. Prefix; Preface.
prep. Preposition.
Pres. President; Present.
Prim. Primary.
Prin. Principal; Principles.
Print. Printing.
Prob. Problem; Probable, probably.
Prof. Professor.
Pron. Pronoun; Pronounced, pronunciation.
Prop. Proposition; Properly.
Pros. Prosody.
Pro tem. (Lat. pro tempore). For the time being.
Prov. Proverbs, proverbial, proverbially; Provincial, provincially; Provost.
Provinc. Provincial.
Prox. (Lat. proximo). Next of or of the next month.
Prs. Pairs.
Prus. Prussia, Prussian.
P. S. (Lat. post scriptum). Postscript.
P. S. Privy Seal.
Ps., Psa. Psalm, psalms.
Psychol. Psychology.
Pt. Part; Payment; Point; Port.
P. T. Post-town; Pupil teacher.
Pub. Public; Published, publisher.
Pub. Doc. Public Documents.
Pwt. Pennyweight.
Pxt. [Pinx.]
Q., Qu. Query; Question.
Q. d. (Lat. quasi dicat). As if he should say.
Q. e. (Lat. quod est). Which is.
Q. E. D. (Lat. quod erat demonstrandum). Which was to be proved.
Q. E. F. (Lat. quod erat faciendum). Which was to be done.
Q. E. I. (Lat. quod erat inveniendum). Which was to be found out.
Q. l. (Lat. quantum libel). As much as you please.
Q. M. Quartermaster.
Q. M. Gen. Quartermaster-General.
Qr. Quarterly; Quire.
Q. S. Quarter Sessions.
Q. s. (Lat. quantum sufficit). A sufficient quantity.
Qt. Quart.
Qu. Queen; Query; Question.
Quar., quart. Quarterly.
Quar., 4to. Quarto.
Ques. Question.
Q. v. (Lat. quod vide). Which see.
Qu. Query.
R. Railway; Réaumur; River.
R. (Lat. rex). King; (Lat. regina.) Queen.
R. (Lat. recipe). Take.
R. A. Royal Academy, Royal Academician; Rear-Admiral; Royal Arch; Royal Artillery.
Rad. (Lat. radix). Root.
R. C. Roman Catholic.
R. E. Reformed Episcopal.
Réaum. Réamur.
Rec. Recipe.
Recd. Received.
Recpt. Receipt.
Ref. Reference.
Ref. Ch. Reformed Church.
Ref. Pres. Reformed Presbyterian.
Reg. Regular.
Reg., Regr. Registrar.
Reg., Regt. Regiment, regimental.
Rel. Pron. Relative Pronoun
Rem. Remark, remarks.
Rep. Report; Representative.
Rep. Repub. Republic; Republican.
Res. Resolution.
Retd. Returned.
Rev. Revelation; Revenues; Reverend; Reviews; Revise.
Revd. Reverend.
Revs. Reverends.
Rev. Stat. Revised Statutes.
R. F. D. Rural Free Delivery.
Rhet. Rhetoric, rhetorical.
R. I. Rhode Island.
Riv. River.
R. M. S. Royal Mail Steamer; Royal Mail Service.
R. N. Royal Navy.
Robt. Robert.
Rom. Roman, Romans.
Rom. Cath. Roman Catholic.
R. P. Regius Professor.
R. R. Railroad.
R. S. V. P. (Fr. Repondez s’il vous plait). Please reply.
Rt. Right.
Rt. Hon. Right Honorable.
Rt. Rev. Right Reverend.
R. T. S. Religious Tract Society
Rt. Wpful. Right Worshipful.
Russ. Russia, Russian.
R. V. Revised Version; Rifle Volunteers.
Ry. Railway.
S. Saint; Saturday; Section; Shilling; Sign; Signor; Solo; Soprano; South; Sun; Sunday; Sabbath.[730]
s. Second, seconds; See; Singular; Son; Succeeded.
S. A. South Africa; South America.
S. A. (Lat. secundem artem). According to the rules of art.
Sab. Sabbath.
Sam., Saml. Samuel.
Sam., Samar. Samaritan.
Sans., Sansc., Sansk. Sanscrit, Sanskrit.
Sat. Saturday.
Sax. Saxon, Saxony.
S. C. South Carolina.
Sc. [Scil. Scull.]
S. caps., Sm. caps. Small capitals. (In printing.)
Sc. B. (Lat. scientiæ baccalaureus). Bachelor of Science.
Sc. D. (Lat. scientiæ doctor). Doctor of Science.
Sch. (Lat. scholium). A note.
Sci. Science.
Sci. fa. Scire facias.
Scil. Sc. (Lat. scilicet). Namely; to wit.
Sclav. Sclavonic.
Scot. Scotland, Scotch, Scottish.
Scr. Scruple, scruples.
Scrip., Script, Scripture, scriptural.
Sculp. Sculpture.
Sculp., Sculpt., Sc. (Lat. sculpsit). He (or she) engraved it.
S. D. Doctor of Science.
S. D., S. Dak. South Dakota.
S. E. Southeast.
Sec. Second.
Sec., Sect. Section.
Sec., Secy. Secretary.
Sec. Leg. Secretary of Legation.
Sen. Senate, senator.
Sen. Doc. Senate Document.
Sep., Sept. September.
Seq. (Lat. sequentes, sequentia). The following or the next.
Serg., Sergt. Sergeant.
Serg. Maj. Sergeant-Major.
Serv. Servian.
Sess. Session.
S. G. Solicitor-general.
Sh. Shilling, shillings.
Sing. Singular.
S. J. Society of Jesus.
S. J. C. Supreme Judicial Court.
Skr. Sanskrit.
Slav. Slavonic.
Soc., Socy. Society.
Sol.-gen. Solicitor-general.
Sp. Spain, Spanish; Spirit.
s. p. (Lat. sine prole). Without issue.
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.
Spec. Special, specially.
sp. gr., s. g. Specific gravity.
S. P. Q. R. (Lat. Senatus Populusque Romanus). The Senate and the People of Rome.
sq. Square; sq. ft. Square foot, feet; sq. in. Square inch, inches; sq. m. Square mile, miles; sq. yd. Square yard; sq. rd. Square rod.
Sr. Senior; sir.
S. R. I. (Lat. Sacrum Romanum Imperium). The Holy Roman Empire.
SS. Saints.
S. S. Sunday-school.
S. S. E. South-southeast.
S. S. W. South-southwest.
St. Saint; Stone; Strait; Street.
st. (Lat. stet). Let it stand (in printing).
Stat. Statute, statutes; Statuary.
S. T. B. Bachelor of Sacred Theology.
S. T. D. (Lat. sacræ theologiæ doctor). Doctor of Divinity.
ster., stg. Sterling.
Str. Steamer, steam vessel.
Subj. Subjunctive.
Suff. Suffix.
Sun., Sund. Sunday.
Sup. Superior; Superlative; Supplement; Supine.
Sup. Ct. Supreme Court.
Supt. Superintendent.
Sur., Surg. Surgeon, surgery.
Sur.-gen. Surgeon-general.
Surv. Surveying, surveyor.
Surv.-gen. Surveyor-general.
S. v. (Lat. sub voce). Under the word or title.
S. W. Senior Warden; Southwest.
Sw. Sweden, Swedish.
Switz. Switzerland.
Syn. Synonym, synonymous.
Synop. Synopsis.
Syr. Syria, Syriac; Syrup.
T. Tenor; Ton; Tun; Tuesday.
Tab. Table; Tabular statement.
Tan. Tangent.
Tech. Technical, technically.
Ten., Tenn. Tennessee.
Ter. Territory.
Term. Termination.
Teut. Teutonic.
Tex. Texas.
Th. Thomas; Thursday.
Theo. Theodore.
Theol. Theology.
Theor. Theorem.
Thess. Thessalonians.
Tho., Thos. Thomas.
Thu., Thur., Thurs. Thursday.
Tier. Tierce.
Tit. Title; Titus.
Tom. Tome, volume.
Tonn. Tonnage.
Topog. Topography, topographical.
Tp. Township.
Tr. Translation, translator, translated; Transpose; Treasurer; Trustee.
Trans. Transaction; Translation, translator, translated.
Trav. Travels.
Treas. Treasurer.
Trig., Trigon. Trigonometry, trigonometrical.
Trin. Trinity.
Tu., Tues. Tuesday.
Turk. Turkey, Turkish.
Typ. Typographer.
Typog. Typography, typographical.
U. C. (Lat. urbis conditæ). From the building of the city—Rome. [A. U. C.]
U. K. United Kingdom.
Ult. (Lat. ultimo). Last, of the last month.
um. Unmarried.
Unit. Unitarian.
Univ. University.
Up. Upper.
U. P. United Presbyterian.
U. S. United States.
U. S. A. United States of America; United States Army.
U. S. L. United States Legation.
U. S. M. United States mail; United States marine.
U. S. M. A. United States Military Academy.
U. S. N. United States Navy.
U. S. N. A. United States Naval Academy.
U. S. S. United States Senate; United States ship or steamer.
U. S. S. Ct. United States Supreme Court.
Usu. Usual, usually.
V. Verb; Verse; Victoria; Violin.
V., vs. (Lat. versus). Against.
V. (Lat. vide). See.
V. A. Vicar Apostolic; Vice-admiral.
Va. Virginia.
Val. Valve; Value.
Var. Variety.
Vat. Vatican.
V. aux. Verb auxiliary.
V. C. Vice-chancellor; Victoria Cross.
Ven. Venerable.
V. G. Vicar-General.
V. g. (Lat. verbi gratia). For the sake of example.
V. i. Verb intransitive.
Vice-pres. Vice-president.
Vid. (Lat. vide). See.
V. imp. Verb impersonal.
V. irr. Verb irregular.
Vis., Visc. Viscount.
Viz. (Lat. videlicet). Namely; to wit. [Oz.]
V. n. Verb neuter.
Voc. Vocative.
Vol. Volume.
Vols. Volumes.
V. P. Vice-president.
V. Rev. Very Reverend.
Vs. (Lat. versus). Against.
V. S. Veterinary surgeon.
V. t. Verb transitive.
Vt. Vermont.
Vul., Vulg. Vulgate.
vv. ll. (Lat. variæ lectiones). Various readings.
W. Wednesday; Week; Welsh; West, western.
Walt. Walter.
Wash. Washington.
w. c. Water closet.
W. C. A. Women’s Christian Association.
W. C. T. U. Women’s Christian Temperance Union.
Wed. Wednesday.
Wel. Welsh.
w. f. Wrong font (in printing).
Whf. Wharf.
W. I. West Indies, West Indian.
Wis., Wisc. Wisconsin.
Wk. Week.
W. Long. West Longitude.
Wm. William.
W. N. W. West-northwest.
Wp. Worship.
Wpful. Worshipful.
W. S. W. West-southwest.
Wt. Weight.
W. Va. West Virginia.
Wyo. Wyoming.
Xm., Xmas. Christmas.[731]
Y. Year.
Yd. Yard.
Yds. Yards.
Ye. The; Thee.
Y. M. C. A. Young Men’s Christian Association.
Y. M. Cath. A. Young Men’s Catholic Association.
Y. M. H. A. Young Men’s Hebrew Association.
Y. P. S. C. E. Young People’s Society of Christian Endeavor.
Yr. Year; Younger; Your.
Ys. Years; Yours.
Y. W. C. A. Young Women’s Christian Association.
Zach. Zachary.
Zech. Zechariah.
Z. G., Zoo. Zoölogical Gardens.
Zoöl. Zoölogy, zoölogical.