Rebec

• POS: Noun
• HYPHEN: re=bec

CIDE DICTIONARY

Rebec, n. [F., fr. It. ribeca, ribeba, fr. Ar. rabāb a musical instrument of a round form.].

•  An instrument formerly used which somewhat resembled the violin, having three strings, and being played with a bow.  Milton.  [1913 Webster]

  "He turn'd his rebec to a mournful note."  [1913 Webster]
•  A contemptuous term applied to an old woman.  Chaucer.  [1913 Webster]

OXFORD DICTIONARY

Rebec, n. (also rebeck) Mus. a medieval usu. three-stringed instrument played with a bow.

Etymology

F rebec var. of OF rebebe rubebe f. Arab. rabab