1. The first three letters of the alphabet, used for the whole alphabet.
2. A primer for teaching the alphabet and first elements of reading. [Obs.]
3. The simplest rudiments of any subject; as, the A B C of finance. A B C book, a primer. Shak.
ABDAL Ab"dal, n. Etym: [Ar. badil, pl. abdal, a substitute, a good, religious man, saint, fr. badala to change, substitute.]
Defn: A religious devotee or dervish in Persia.
ABDERIAN
Ab*de"ri*an, a. Etym: [From Abdera, a town in Thrace, of which place
Democritus, the Laughing Philosopher, was a native.]
Defn: Given to laughter; inclined to foolish or incessant merriment.
ABDERITE
Ab*de"rite, n. Etym: [L. Abderita, Abderites, fr. Gr. '
Defn: An inhabitant of Abdera, in Thrace. The Abderite, Democritus, the Laughing Philosopher.
ABDEST
Ab"dest, n. Etym: [Per. abdast; ab water + dast hand.]