=AB′ACA= (kăh). A species of vegetable fibre, of several varieties, obtained in the Philippine Islands, and remarkable for its brilliancy, strength, and durability. The finer kinds are woven into muslins, and other delicate fabrics; the coarser are formed into mats, cordage, and sail-cloth. It has been recently employed in Paris for the manufacture of various articles of furniture and dress; including bonnets, tapestry, carpets, network, hammocks, &c. The fibre, and fabrics made of it, may be bleached and dyed in a similar manner to flax and linen. =ABATTOIR=. A public slaughter-house for cattle, &c., usually erected within the walls or precincts of a continental town or city. =ABBREVIATION=. One or more of the earlier letters of a word used to express the whole. 1. Abbreviations in general use:—— A.B., Bachelor of Arts. A.D., In the year of our Lord. A.I.C., Associate of the Institute of Chemistry. A.I.C.E., Associate of the Institute of Civil Engineers. A.M., Master of Arts.——Before noon. A.R.A., Associate of the Royal Academy. B.A., Bachelor of Arts. Bart., Baronet. B.C., Before Christ. B.D., Bachelor of Divinity. B.Sc., Bachelor of Science. C.B., Companion of the Bath. C.E., Civil Engineer. C.S., Civil Service. D.C.L., Doctor of Civil Laws. D.D., Doctor of Divinity. D.G., By the Grace of God. Dr., Doctor.——Debtor. D.Sc., Doctor of Science. D.V., God willing. Ed., Editor, or Edition. e.g., for example. F.C.P., Fellow of the College of Preceptors. F.C.S., Fellow of the Chemical Society. F.G.S., Fellow of the Geological Society. F.I.C., Fellow of the Institute of Chemistry. F.L.S., Fellow of the Linnean Society. F.R.A.S., Fellow of the Royal Astronomical Society. F.R.C.P., Fellow of the Royal College of Physicians. F.R.C.S., Fellow of the Royal College of Surgeons. F.R.G.S., Fellow of the Royal Geographical Society. F.R.S., Fellow of the Royal Society. F.R.S.E., Fellow of the Royal Society of Edinburgh. H.M.S., Her Majesty’s Ship. H.R.H., His (or Her) Royal Highness. i.e., That is. Inst., Instant (the present month). I.H.S., Jesus the Saviour of Man. K.B., Knight of the Bath. K.C.B., Knight Commander of the Bath. K.G., Knight of the Garter. Knt., Knight. K.St.P., Knight of St. Patrick. K.T., Knight of the Thistle. L.A.C., Licentiate of the Apothecaries’ Company. Lat., Latitude. L.D., Licentiate in Dentistry. LL.D., Doctor of Laws. L.M., Licentiate in Midwifery. Loc. cit., The part referred to. Lon. or Long., Longitude. M.A., Master of Arts. M.B., Bachelor of Medicine. M.C., Master of Surgery.——Master of the Ceremonies. M.C.P., Member of the College of Preceptors. M.D., Doctor of Medicine. M.I.B.A., Member of the Institute of British Architects. M.R.C.P., Member of the Royal College of Physicians. M.R.C.S., Member of the Royal College of Surgeons. M.R.C.V.S., Member of the Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons.