\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.

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