rabbet Hear it!

rabbet definition

rab·bet (rab′it)

noun

a groove or recess cut in the edge of a board, plank, etc. in such a way that another piece may be fitted into it to form a joint (rabbet joint)

Etymology: ME rabet < OFr rabat, rabbat, a beating down < rabattre: see rebate

transitive verb

  1. to cut a rabbet in
  2. to join by means of a rabbet

intransitive verb

to be joined by a rabbet

Webster's New World College Dictionary Copyright © 2005 by Wiley Publishing, Inc., Cleveland, Ohio.
Used by arrangement with John Wiley & Sons, Inc.

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