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

The sliding section is not always necessary, as in a narrow rabbet or bead.

From Handwork in Wood by Noyes, William

As with the plow and the rabbet, its shape is ubiquitous.

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

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.

There is a rabbet in their inside upper edge, to receive the hatches or gratings.

From The Sailor's Word-Book An Alphabetical Digest of Nautical Terms, including Some More Especially Military and Scientific, but Useful to Seamen; as well as Archaisms of Early Voyagers, etc. by Belcher, Edward, Sir

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

From Handwork in Wood by Noyes, William

Related Words

• carve
• divide
• rip
• slash
• slice