Yes, abuse of process refers to a fundamental impropriety, not just a procedural error. It being after midnight, good examples are not springing to mind.

If you brought libel proceedings, and lost, and then brought malicious falsehood proceedings on the same facts, you would lose for two reasons. First there would be issue estoppel (don't ask). Second, because you were trying to get a second bite at the same cherry, it would be an abuse of process.

Does that help?