rebec
Definition
Noun: A rebec is a medieval stringed musical instrument, typically with three strings, played with a bow and held under the chin or against the shoulder. It was a precursor to the modern violin and was popular in Europe from the 14th to the 16th centuries.
Usage Examples
- (She performed using the medieval instrument.)
- (The instrument was found intact from that historical period.)
Advanced Usage
"to play the rebec": to perform music using this specific instrument.
- He learned to play the rebec from a master of early music. (He studied the technique of this medieval stringed instrument.)
"the sound of the rebec": the characteristic timbre or tone produced by the instrument.
- The sound of the rebec is often described as nasal or piercing, yet sweet. (The instrument's acoustic quality is distinctive.)
Variants and Related Words
Rebeck (n): an alternative spelling of "rebec," with the same meaning.
- The rebeck was commonly used in courtly music of the Middle Ages. (This spelling variation refers to the same instrument.)
Rebec player (n): a musician who specializes in playing the rebec.
- The rebec player demonstrated medieval dance tunes. (The performer focused on this historical instrument.)
Synonyms
- Fiddle: a general term for any stringed instrument played with a bow, though "rebec" specifically refers to the medieval type.
- Vielle: another medieval bowed string instrument, similar to the rebec but often larger and with more strings.
Related Idioms
- "fiddling while Rome burns": an idiom about ignoring a crisis, though not directly related to the rebec, it uses the concept of playing a stringed instrument.
- The king was said to be playing his rebec while the kingdom fell into chaos, much like fiddling while Rome burns. (He was distracted by music during a disaster.)
Phrasal Verbs
- "to bow the rebec": to play the instrument by moving a bow across its strings.
- She carefully bowed the rebec to produce a clear note. (She used the bow technique on the instrument.)