rabbet

[ rab-it ]

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)

, rab·bet·ed, rab·bet·ing.

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)

, rab·bet·ed, rab·bet·ing.

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

rabbet

/ 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 Words From

• un·rabbet·ed adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of rabbet¹

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

Word History and Origins

Origin of rabbet¹

C15: from Old French rabattre to beat down

Example Sentences

A: A framed mirror, which is essentially what you have on your hall rack, typically sits in a rabbet, or groove, that rings the opening.

From Washington Post

Other hand tools needed for the job included a rabbet plane No. 10, Japanese slick chisel, hand ripsaw and ryoba saw.

From Washington Times

For rabbeting and fillister work the upper holes q are used, while using ploughs the lower ones are brought into requisition.

From Project Gutenberg

Placed in the frames, they were held in position in the rabbets by laths nailed to the sides so as to prevent any play.

From Project Gutenberg

These included "Planing, moulding, rabbeting, grooving, mortising, and sawing, both in coarse and fine work, in curved, winding, and transverse directions, and shaping wood in complicated forms."

From Project Gutenberg

Related Words

• laceration
• wound