What is "breviograph"

A breviograph (from , short, and Greek grapho, to write) is a type of scribal abbreviation in the form of an easily written symbol, character, flourish, or stroke based on a modified letter form used to take the place of a common letter combination, especially those occurring at the beginning or end of a word. Breviographs were used frequently by stenographers, law clerks, and scriveners, and were also found in early printed books and tracts. Their use declined after the 17th century.