[f. ABET v. + -ER1. Formed on abet as an Eng. verb, as in speak-er, begett-er, etc.: see ABETTOR.] One who abets; an instigator, supporter or promoter (usually of an offence, or of the offender).
1611. Speed, Hist. Gr. Brit., IX. ii. 426. [He] showed the like measure of crueltie upon the Scotish Abetters, as they had done against the English.
1664. H. More, Myst. Iniq., i. 3. So far forth as they are Teachers, Abetters, or Obtruders of such Practices or Principles.
1681. Dryden, Hind and Panther, iii. 353. But let th’ abetters of the panther’s crime Learn to make fairer wars another time.
1735–8. Ld. Bolingbroke, Diss. upon Parties, 78. The Dissenters … became Abetters of his Usurpations.
1825. J. Neal, Bro. Jonathan, I. 308. Had you become aiders and abetters of my rebellion.
