abbreviation contains an abbreviation of any sort. allows the encoder to classify the abbreviation according to some convenient typology. the abbreviation provides the first letter(s) of the word or phrase, omitting the remainder. the abbreviation omits some letter(s) in the middle. the abbreviation comprises a special symbol or mark. the abbreviation includes writing above the line. the abbreviation comprises the initial letters of the words of a phrase. the abbreviation is for a title of address (Dr, Ms, Mr, …) the abbreviation is for the name of an organization. the abbreviation is for a geographic name.

The type attribute is provided for the sake of those who wish to classify abbreviations at their point of occurrence; this may be useful in some circumstances, though usually the same abbreviation will have the same type in all occurrences. As the sample values make clear, abbreviations may be classified by the method used to construct them, the method of writing them, or the referent of the term abbreviated; the typology used is up to the encoder and should be carefully planned to meet the needs of the expected use.

 SPQR

The abbr tag is not required; if appropriate, the encoder may transcribe abbreviations in the source text silently, without tagging them. If abbreviations are not transcribed directly but expanded silently, then the TEI header should so indicate.

For a typology of Middle English abbreviations, see A. G. Petty, English literary hands from Chaucer to Dryden (London: Edward Arnold, 1977), pp. 22–25.