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

In an end-lap joint on rabbeted pieces the joint must be adapted to the rabbet.

From Handwork in Wood by Noyes, William

A rabbet is made for the reception of the glass, and four strips of strap iron, overlapping both the glass, and the wood, and screwed to the wood, keep the glass in position.

From Scientific American Supplement, No. 365, December 30, 1882 by Various

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

From Handwork in Wood by Noyes, William

It warn't a week afore he wuz runnin' a rabbet and run right into it.

From A Gentleman Vagabond and Some Others by Smith, Francis Hopkinson

The rabbet at the end of the piece X is cut not the entire width of the piece Y, but only the width of the lap,—c-f = a-e.

From Handwork in Wood by Noyes, William

Related Words

• carve
• divide
• rip
• slash
• slice