Re"bec (?), n. [F., fr. It. ribeca, ribeba, fr. Ar. rabab a musical instrument of a round form.]
1. Mus.
An instrument formerly used which somewhat resembled the violin, having three strings, and being played with a bow.
[Written also
rebeck.]
Milton.
He turn'd his rebec to a mournful note.
Drayton.
2.
A contemptuous term applied to an old woman.
[Obs.]
Chaucer.
© Webster 1913.