A-by̆ss', n.

n. [Lat. abyssus, ἄβυσσος, prop. adj., bottomless, from ἀ priv. and βυσσός, depth, bottom, Ionic for βυθός.] 1. A bottomless depth; a gulf; hence, any deep, immeasurable space, and, specifically, hell, or the bottomless pit. “Ye powers and spirits of this nethermost abyss.” Milton. Thy throne is darkness, in the abyss of light. Milton. 2. (Her.) The center of an escutcheon. He bears azure a fleur de lis, in abyss. Encyc.

☞ This word, in its leading uses, is associated with the cosmological notions of the Hebrews, having reference to a supposed illimitable mass of waters from which our earth sprung, and beneath whose profound depths the wicked were punished. Encyc. Brit.