Rebec
Pronunciation : Re"bec
Part of Speech : n.
Etymology : [F., fr. It. ribeca, ribeba, fr. Ar. rabab a musical instrument of a round form.]
Definition : 1. (Mus.)
Defn: 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.
Source : Webster's Unabridged Dictionary, 1913