rebec

Noun

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]

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