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.
Phrases and idioms:
rabbet plane a plane for cutting a groove along an edge.
Etymology: ME f. OF rab(b)at abatement, recess f. rabattre REBATE