/rab"it/ , n. , v. , rabbeted, rabbeting .
n.
1. a deep notch formed in or near one edge of a board, framing timber, etc., so that something else can be fitted into it or so that a door or the like can be closed against it.
2. a broad groove let into the surface of a board or the like; dado.
v.t.
3. to cut a rabbet in (a board or the like).
4. to join (boards or the like) by means of a rabbet or rabbets.
v.i.
5. to join by a rabbet (usually fol. by on or over ).
Also, rebate .
[ 1350-1400; ME rabet rabat, deriv. of rabattre to beat back, beat down; see REBATE 1 ]