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. 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.
© Webster 1913.
A*bet" (#), n. [OF. abet, fr. abeter.]
Act of abetting; aid.
[Obs.]
Chaucer.
© Webster 1913.