See abet, the act of helping another person commit a crime, usually in a more passive manner, such as serving as a lookout for a robbery. Despite not taking such an active role, one guilty of aiding and abetting may be guilty of a crime and punished as if they took an active role.
Law Dictionary – Alternative Legal Definition
In criminal law. That kind of connection with the commission of a crime which, at common law, rendered the person guilty as a principal in the second degree. It consisted in being present at the time and place, and doing some act to render aid to the actual perpetrator of the crime, though without taking a direct share in its commission.