Editing Abbreviator (section)

== Roman lay origin ==
Abbreviators make an abridgment or abstract of a long writing or discourse by contracting the parts, i. e., the words and sentences; an abbreviated form of writing common among the ancient Romans. Abbreviations were of two kinds: the use of a single letter for a single word and the use of a sign, note, or mark for a word or phrase.
The [[Emperor Justinian]] forbade the use of abbreviations in the compilation of the ''Digest'' and afterward extended his prohibition to all other writings. This prohibition was not universally obeyed. The Abbreviators found it convenient to use the abbreviated form, and this was especially the case in [[Rome]]. The early Christians practised the abbreviated mode, no doubt as an easy and safe way of communicating with one another and safeguarding their secrets from enemies and false brethren.<ref name="Catholic">{{Catholic|wstitle=Abbreviators|inline=yes}}</ref>