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. bīta 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.