also 6 abettour. [a. Anglo-Fr. abettour (OFr. abetere, abetiere), f. abeter: see ABET, and -OR, -OUR.] This is the constant form of the word as a legal term, and the more frequent even in the general sense; though in the latter, ABETTER, formed on Eng. analogies, is also common.
1. Law and gen. One who abets, instigates, or encourages to the committing of any offence.
1514. Fitzherbert, Just. Pea. (1538), 142. Every suche person so offendinge, theyr ayders … and abbettours … shall runne in the daunger.
1589. Puttenham, Eng. Poesie (1869), 153. The simple woman is not so much to blame as her lewde abbettours.
1660. R. Coke, Elem. Power & Subj., 250. Every such person, their Aiders, Counsellors and Abettors shall be adjudged Traitors.
1768. Blackstone, Comm., I. 138. The person committing, and all his aiders, advisers and abettors.
1856. Mrs. Stowe, Dred (1856), II. v. 60. To be your abettor in any treason you might meditate.
2. gen. One who encourages, countenances, or supports another in any proceeding; one who supports or advocates an opinion or principle; a supporter, adherent, advocate. (Prob. never now used in a distinctly good sense, as in 17th c.)
1580. Lyly, Euphues & his Engl., 270. Foes, which by thy well doing thou mayst cause to be earnest abettors of thee.
1640. Bp. Hall, Episcop. by divine Right, II. § 17. 184. Julius, Bishop of Rome, the great Abbettor of Athanasius.
1651. Baxter, Inf. Bapt., 227. An opinion that hath learned and godly abettors.
1756. Burke, Vind. Nat. Soc., Wks. 1842, I. 17. A very material difference between my manner of reasoning and that which is in use amongst the abettors of artificial society.
1782. Priestley, Matter & Spirit, I. § 3. 36. The abettors of that hypothesis … object to mine.
1855. Singleton, Virgil, I. Pref. xviii.–xix. The abettors of such a system must forget that, in good authors, a single word has but a single meaning, in a single place.
