Middle English Dictionary Entry
abetten v.
Entry Info
| Forms | abetten v. |
| Etymology | OF abeter, from ON. |
Definitions (Senses and Subsenses)
1.
(a) To urge or incite (sb. to evil); encourage or abet (wrong-doing); (b) to encourage (sb.); promote (well-being).
Associated quotations
a
- (1442) RParl.5.55b : By the which misgovernaunce..Owners of Shippes..often tymes been called and constreyned to answere..thay beyng nothyng wetyng, abettyng, nor assentyng therto.
- (a1443) *Pet.Chanc.PRO ser.CP 1 file 12no.204 : John Stanlowe..procured and abbettyd the said William Kyndrton to do the said felonye.
- (1457) Let.Bk.Lond.K (Gldh LetBk K)386 : John Bailly confesseth..that he was..excited and moeved & abbetted to assent and be sworn unto þe saide confederacye.
b
- c1380 Firumb.(1) (Ashm 33)5816 : If he þanne wold take fulloȝt, As he hym wolde abette..No lenger wold he him lette.
- (1443) Reg.Gild Stratford (Macdonald)37 : He schall be sworyn that he schall be good and trewe to this place and trewlych the profite ther of by his power abette and storyn.