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.

---

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

---

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

Why, why? and where man, have you been? at a Poulters That you are cas'd thus like a rabbet?

From The Little French Lawyer A Comedy by Beaumont, Francis

Fig. 266-33 Mortise and tenon with rabbet No. 34.

From Handwork in Wood by Noyes, William

After the hollowing out is completed, a rabbet one-eighth of an inch wide and deep is cut to receive the deck, its outer line being g h i k, Fig.

From Harper's Young People, April 6, 1880 An Illustrated Weekly by Various

The following is the performance at draught of water 2 feet above rabbet of keel: Boiler pressure 90 lb.

From Scientific American Supplement, No. 484, April 11, 1885 by Various

The rabbet plane, made by Carpenter, is traceable via another route, the U.S.

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

Related Words

• carve
• divide
• rip
• slash
• slice