- OF. abeter; aL. ad) + beter to bait (as a bear), fr. Icel. beita to set dogs on, to feed, originally, to cause to bite, fr. Icel. bīta to bite, hence to bait, to incite. See BaitBet
- 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 tribeabetsthe villany.Would not the fool abet the stealth, Who rashly thus exposed his wealth?
- To support, uphold, or aid; to maintain; -- in a good sense.Obs.Our duty is urged, and our confidence abetted.
- LawTo contribute, as an assistant or instigator, to the commission of an offense.To incite; instigate; set on; egg on; foment; advocate; countenance; encourage; second; uphold; aid; assist; support; sustain; back; connive at.
