1. a person who shortens or condenses written material
2. a papal official who drafts and shortens official documents
Usage: historical; ecclesiastical

Examples

• The editor worked as an abbreviator, condensing the lengthy manuscript into a readable summary.
• As an abbreviator for the publishing house, she specialized in creating concise versions of academic texts.
• The papal abbreviator was responsible for drafting official church documents in shortened form.
• Medieval abbreviators played an important role in making lengthy texts more accessible.
• The abbreviator’s skill lay in preserving the essential meaning while reducing word count.
• Historical records show that abbreviators were valued members of the papal court.