abet Meaning, Definition & Usage

A*bet" transitive verb

Etymology

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. bita to bite, hence to bait, to incite. See Bait, Bet.

Wordforms

imperfect & past participle Abetted present participle & verbal noun Abetting

Definitions

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.

A*bet" noun

Etymology

OF. abet, fr. abeter.

Definitions

1. Act of abetting; aid. Obs. Chaucer.