What does "diminution" mean?

Diminution: The act of lessening dignity or consideration, or the state of being deprived of dignity; a lowering in estimation; degradation; abasement. The world's opinion or diminution of me. Eikon Basilike. Nor thinks it diminution to be ranked In military honor next. Philips.

Additional senses

  1. 2.(Law) Omission, inaccuracy, or defect in a record.
  2. 3.(Mus.) In counterpoint, the imitation of, or reply to, a subject, in notes of half the length or value of those the subject itself.

Sources