3 definitions found
From Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary (1913) [web1913]:
Abet \A*bet"\, v. t. [imp. & p. p. {Abetted}; p. pr & vb n.
{Abetting}.] [OF. abeter a (L. ad) + beter to bait (as a
bear), fr Icel. beita to set dogs on to feed, originally,
to cause to bite, fr Icel. b[=i]ta to bite, hence to bait,
to incite. See {Bait}, {Bet}.]
1. To instigate or encourage by aid or countenance; -- used
in a bad sense of persons and acts as to abet an
ill-doer; to abet one in his wicked courses; to abet vice;
to abet an insurrection. ``The whole tribe abets the
villany.'' --South.
Would not the fool abet the stealth, Who rashly thus
exposed his wealth? --Gay.
2. To support, uphold, or aid; to maintain; -- in a good
sense [Obs.].
Our duty is urged, and our confidence abetted.
--Jer. Taylor.
3. (Law) To contribute, as an assistant or instigator, to the
commission of an offense.
Syn: To incite; instigate; set on egg on foment; advocate;
countenance; encourage; second uphold; aid; assist;
support; sustain; back connive at
From Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary (1913) [web1913]:
Abet \A*bet"\, n. [OF. abet, fr abeter.]
Act of abetting; aid. [Obs.] --Chaucer.
From WordNet r 1.6 [wn]:
abet
v : assist or encourage, usually in some wrongdoing
more about abet
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Lake Atitlan, Guatemala
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