vbl. sb. [f. ABET v. + -ING1.] The encouragement, promoting, or instigation (usually of anything culpable). Now mostly gerundial.
c. 1374. Chaucer, Troylus, II. 356. If I shold assent, Thurgh myn abettyng [v.r. abet], that he thine honour shent.
1629. Sir H. Lynde, Via tuta, 26. A great abetting to their whole doctrine.
1634. Bp. Sanderson, 30 Serm. (1681), II. 292. The abetting, countenancing, or strengthening of any injurious act.
1821. Scott, Kenilw. (1867), 96. You suppose my Lord of Leicester capable of abetting, perhaps of giving aim and authority, to the base proceedings.
