Abstract

Abstract, as opposed to concrete, the state of viewing any particular properties of an object apart from its other properties. Abstract in law signifies the summary of a book or document: it has an especial meaning with reference to summaries or epitomes of the evidences of ownership, when it is known as abstract of title. A perfect abstract shows that the owner has both the legal and equitable estates at his own disposal without any encumbrance. Abstracts of title are used to enable any purchaser to judge of any encumbrances affecting the title before purchasing.