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. [ 1913 Webster ]
He turn'd his rebec to a mournful note. Drayton. [ 1913 Webster ]
2. A contemptuous term applied to an old woman. [ Obs. ] Chaucer. [ 1913 Webster ]
(n) a Powhatan woman (the daughter of Powhatan) who befriended the English at Jamestown and is said to have saved Captain John Smith's life (1595-1617), Syn. Rebecca Rolfe, Matoaka