To shorten or cut short; to curtail or reduce in length.
From Latin 'decurtare', combining 'de-' (away, down) and 'curtare' (to shorten, from 'curtus' meaning short). The word evolved to mean cutting or shortening something.
This is a wonderfully archaic verb—'decurt' is essentially an old-fashioned way to say 'curtail,' and the root 'curtus' (short) also gives us the word 'curtsy,' which is a shortened, quick gesture!
Complete word intelligence in one call. Free tier — 50 lookups/day.