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[=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.