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(), 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. bta 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. Abet" (), n.[OF. abet, fr. abeter.] Act of abetting; aid. [Obs.] Chaucer. スポンサード リンク
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