In Scotch law. An action brought for the purpose of rescinding, annulling, or cancelling some bond, contract, or other instrument in writing. 1 Forb. Inst. pt. 4, pp. 158, 159. In French law. Abatement. When a parent gives away, whether by gift inter vivos or by legacy, more than his portion dis poniole, (q. v.) the donee or legatee is required to submit to have his gift reduced to the legal proportion. Reduction ex capite lecti. By the law to reduce all voluntary deeds granted to his prejudice by his predecessor within sixty days preceding the predecessor’s death; provided the maker of the deed, at its date, was laboring under the disease of which he died, and did not subsequently go to kirk or market unsupported. Bell. Reduction improbation. In Scotch law. One form of the action of reduction in which falsehood and forgery are alleged against the deed or document sought to be set aside.