Late 17th century; earliest use found in William Wotton (1666–1727), linguist and theologian. Shortened from about and about, as a graphic abbreviation.
Definition of abt. in US English:
abt.
(also abt)
preposition
As a graphic abbreviation: = "about".
Origin
Late 17th century; earliest use found in William Wotton (1666–1727), linguist and theologian. Shortened from about and about, as a graphic abbreviation.