rabbet

American  

[rab-it] / ˈræb ɪt /

noun

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.

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verb (used with object)

rabbeted, rabbeting

1. to cut a rabbet in (a board or the like).

2. to join (boards or the like) by means of a rabbet or rabbets.

verb (used without object)

rabbeted, rabbeting

1. to join by a rabbet (usually followed by on orover ).

rabbet British  

/ ˈræbɪt /

noun

1. a recess, groove, or step, usually of rectangular section, cut into a surface or along the edge of a piece of timber to receive a mating piece

2. a joint made between two pieces of timber using a rabbet

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verb

1. to cut or form a rabbet in (timber)

2. to join (pieces of timber) using a rabbet

Other Word Forms

• unrabbeted
  adjective

Etymology

Origin of rabbet

1350–1400; Middle English rabet < Old French rabat, derivative of rabattre to beat back, beat down; see rebate ¹

Example Sentences

Cut tenons on the end rails and rabbet them and the side pieces for the panels.

From Mission Furniture How to Make It, Part 2 by Windsor, H. H. (Henry Haven)

I promised Allworthy already to give up half my estate—od rabbet it!

From History of Tom Jones, a Foundling by Fielding, Henry

The carpenter's dependence on this tool lessened only after the perfection of multipurpose metallic planes that could be readily converted to cut a "rabbet."

From Woodworking Tools 1600-1900 by Welsh, Peter C.

Set the fence and the stop at the desired width and depth of the rabbet.

From Handwork in Wood by Noyes, William

The re-entering angle left upon the wood is called the rebate or rabbet.

From Handwork in Wood by Noyes, William

Related Words

• carve
• divide
• rip
• slash
• slice