Rē'bee, n.

n. [Fr. rebec, It. ribeca, ribeba, Pr. rabej, Pg. rabeca, rabel, rabil, rebel, arrabil, Sp. rabel, O. Fr. rebelle, from Ar. rabáb, a musical instrument of a round form; Per. rubáb.] (Mus.) An instrument formerly used, having catgut strings, and played with a bow. [Written also rebeck.]

He tuned his rebec to a mournful note. Drayton.

Originally it had only two strings, then three, till exalted into the more perfect violin with four strings. It is thought to have been a Moorish instrument. Nares.