C. T. Onions, A Shakespeare Glossary

1. ill-usage, injury, wrong, insult, offence, crime Wiv. V. iii. 9, Meas. V. i. 241, 3H6 III. iii. 188 “the abuse done to my niece,” Rom. III. i. 199, Sonn. cxxxiv. 12 “through my unkind abuse.”

2. imposture, deception, delusion Ham. IV. vii. 50 “Or is it some and no such thing?” (Cf. SELF-ABUSE.)

3. corrupt practice Meas. II. i. 43, Cæs. II. i. 115 “the time's abuse,” Ven. 792.

4. injurious speaking, reviling 2H4 II. iv. 341; pl. (obs.) Meas. V. i. 342 “his treasonable abuses.”