abet v : assist or encourage, usually in some wrongdoing [also: abetting, abetted]

Abet \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. 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.

Abet \A*bet"\, n. [OF. abet, fr. abeter.] Act of abetting; aid. [Obs.] --Chaucer.

See more meaning on Abet...

• Abet: Abet may refer to: Abet Guidaben (20th century), former Philippine Basketball Association basketball player. Accreditation Board for ...
• Abettor: Abettor (from to abet, Old French abeter, á and beter, to bait, urge dogs upon any one; this word is probably of Scandinavian origin, ...
• Abet Guidaben: Alberto "Abet" Guidaben is a former Philippine Basketball Association basketball player. He was part of the fabled Crispa Redmanizers ...
• Aiding and abetting: Aiding and abetting is an additional provision in United States criminal law , for situations where it cannot be shown the party ...
• Accessories and Abettors Act 1861: The natural meaning of "to abet" is "to incite, instigate or encourage" and this can only be committed by an accessory who is present when ...

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