Note: The form abettor is the legal term and also in general
use.
Syn: {Abettor}, {Accessory}, {Accomplice}.
Usage: 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 supposes a principal
offender. One who is neither the chief actor in an
offense, nor present at its performance, but accedes
to or becomes involved in its guilt, either by some
previous or subsequent act, as of instigating,
encouraging, aiding, or concealing, etc., is an
accessory. An accomplice is one who participates in
the commission of an offense, whether as principal or
accessory. Thus in treason, there are no abettors or
accessories, but all are held to be principals or
accomplices.