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Englishionary
Abet
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. bita 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.
A•bet´ , n. [OF. abet, fr. abeter.] Act of abetting; aid. [Obs.] Chaucer.
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- © 2011 Englishionary - Parts Based on Websters 1913 Public Domain Dictionary are free to use and for you to take. Updated by Elliot Steven Carruthers