 3 definitions found
From WordNet (r) 2.0 [wn]:
abet
verb: assist or encourage, usually in some wrongdoing
[also: {abetting}, {abetted}]
From WordNet (r) 2.0 [wn]:
abetting
See {abet}
From The Collaborative International Dictionary of English v.0.44 [gcide]:
Abet \A*bet"\, verb (used with an object) [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.
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