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 keel is 14 in. deep, the part below the rabbet of the garboard or lowest strakes of the planking, being 11 in. deep, and 4½ in. thick at the bottom.

From Ancient and Modern Ships. Part 1. Wooden Sailing Ships by Holmes, George C. V.

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

From Handwork in Wood by Noyes, William

The width across the rabbet is 3 in., while the portion above the rabbet and inboard is 7 in. wide.

From Ancient and Modern Ships. Part 1. Wooden Sailing Ships by Holmes, George C. V.

The rabbet should therefore be plowed before the joint is made.

From Handwork in Wood by Noyes, William

Inherent in the bench planes is a feeling of motion, particularly in the plow and the rabbet where basic design alone conveys the idea that they were meant to move over fixed surfaces.

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

Related Words

• carve
• divide
• rip
• slash
• slice