rebec

noun

re·​bec ˈrē-ˌbek 

ˈre-(ˌ)bek

variants or rebeck

: an ancient bowed usually 3-stringed musical instrument with a pear-shaped body and slender neck

Illustration of rebec

Example Sentences

Recent Examples on the Web

Tyler researched instruments that immigrants brought from all over the world, using the rebec, hurdy-gurdy, chitarrone, accordion and fiddle, as well as Native American flutes and drums, to evoke a sense of history. —Shannon L. Bowen, The Hollywood Reporter, 7 June 2019

Word History

Etymology

Middle English rebecke, from Middle French rebec, alteration of Old French rebebe, from Old Occitan rebeb, from Arabic rabāb

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined above