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..
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.