rabbet

[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.
3.
to cut a rabbet in (a board or the like).
4.
to join (boards or the like) by means of a rabbet or rabbets.
verb (used without object), rabbeted, rabbeting.
5.
to join by a rabbet (usually followed by on or over).
Also, rebate.
Origin
1350-1400; Middle English rabet < Old French rabat, derivative of rabattre to beat back, beat down; see rebate1
Related forms
unrabbeted, adjective
Can be confused
rabbet, rabbit, rarebit, rebate.
British Dictionary definitions for rabbet

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 (transitive)
3.
to cut or form a rabbet in (timber)
4.
to join (pieces of timber) using a rabbet
Word Origin
C15: from Old French rabattre to beat down
Word Origin and History for rabbet
n.

"rectangular groove cut out of the edge of a piece of wood or stone so that it may join by lapping with others," late 14c., from Old French rabat "a recess in a wall, a lower section," literally "a beating down," a back-formation from rabattre "to beat down, beat back" (see rebate (v.)). The verb is attested from mid-15c. (implied in rabetynge).