DICT.TW Dictionary Taiwan
A·bet v. t. [imp. & p. p. Abetted p. pr. & vb. n. Abetting.]
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.”
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
v : assist or encourage, usually in some wrongdoing
[also: abetting, abetted]