Search Result for "abetted": 

The Collaborative International Dictionary of English v.0.48:

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[imac]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. [1913 Webster] Would not the fool abet the stealth, Who rashly thus exposed his wealth? --Gay. [1913 Webster] 2. To support, uphold, or aid; to maintain; -- in a good sense. [Obs.]. Our duty is urged, and our confidence abetted. --Jer. Taylor. [1913 Webster] 3. (Law) To contribute, as an assistant or instigator, to the commission of an offense. [1913 Webster] Syn: To incite; instigate; set on; egg on; foment; advocate; countenance; encourage; second; uphold; aid; assist; support; sustain; back; connive at. [1913 Webster]