A-bĕt'tor, n.

n. One who abets, instigates, or incites, aids, or encourages another to commit a crime. See ACCESSORY. Bouvier.

Synonyms— ABETTOR, ACCESSORY, ACCOMPLICE. These words denote different degrees of complicity in some deed or crime. An abettor is one who incites or encourages to the act, without sharing in its performance. An accessory is one who is neither present nor takes part in the act, but accedes to or becomes involved in its guilt, either by some previous or subsequent act, as of aiding, concealing, &c. An accomplice is one who is directly engaged in doing the deed, or is held, by construction of law, to have been so engaged. Thus, in treason, there are no abettors or accessories, but all are held to be principals or accomplices. Abettors propose, incite, instigate, or promote; accessories assist, aid, help forward; accomplices carry into effect, execute, or complete.