Attrition \At*tri"tion\, n. [L. attritio: cf. F. attrition.]

1. The act of rubbing together; friction; the act of wearing by friction, or by rubbing substances together; abrasion.

Effected by attrition of the inward stomach. --Arbuthnot.

2. The state of being worn. --Johnson.

3. (Theol.) Grief for sin arising only from fear of punishment or feelings of shame. See Contrition. --Wallis.

Source: Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary (1913)