Re″bec (rē″bĕk), n. [F., fr. It. ribeca, ribeba, fr. Ar. rabāb 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. Chaucer.