n. & v.
n. a step-shaped channel etc. cut along the edge or face or projecting angle of a length of wood etc., usu. to receive the edge or tongue of another piece.
v.tr. (rabbeted, rabbeting) 1 join or fix with a rabbet. 2 make a rabbet in. rabbet plane a plane for cutting a groove along an edge.
[ ME f. OF rab(b)at abatement, recess f. rabattre REBATE ]