abator
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1 one who removes a nuisance (n.) C2 Proficiency Formal Technical Lawsomeone who stops or removes something that is causing a public problem or annoyance.
a person who abates, terminates, or removes a nuisance, often acting under legal authority.
ExampleThe city acted as the abator of the noise problem by closing the factory.
ExampleAs the designated abator, the official was responsible for ensuring the hazardous waste was removed from the site immediately.
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2 unlawful occupant of an estate (n.) C2 Proficiency Archaic Technical Lawa person who enters a property without a right after the owner dies but before the true heir arrives.
a person who, without legal right, enters into a freehold upon the death of the last possessor before the heir or devisee can take possession.
ExampleThe court ruled that the man was an abator who had no claim to the house.
ExampleThe legal dispute centered on whether the occupant was a lawful tenant or an abator who had seized the land before the will was proved.
UsageThis term is primarily found in historical common law contexts regarding property disputes.
From abate (“to enter without right after the owner dies and before the heir takes over”) + -or. From Anglo-Norman.
From abate (“do away with”) + -or. From Middle English, from Old French.