from
The Collaborative International Dictionary of English v.0.48
Rabbet \Rab"bet\, n. [See {Rabbet}, v., and cf. {Rebate}, n.]
[1913 Webster]
1. (Carp.) A longitudinal channel, groove, or recess cut out
of the edge or face of any body; especially, one intended
to receive another member, so as to break or cover the
joint, or more easily to hold the members in place; thus,
the groove cut for a panel, for a pane of glass, or for a
door, is a rabbet, or rebate.
[1913 Webster]
2. Same as Rabbet joint, below.
[1913 Webster]
{Rabbet joint} (Carp.), a joint formed by fitting together
rabbeted boards or timbers; -- called also {rabbet}.
{Rabbet plane}, a joiner's plane for cutting a rabbet.
--Moxon.
[1913 Webster]