rebeck

A musician plays a rebeck at a medieval fair.

Definition

1. Noun:
   • Musical instrument: A "rebeck" is a medieval stringed musical instrument, typically with three strings, played with a bow. It was a precursor to the modern violin and was popular in European music from the 10th to the 16th centuries.

Usage Examples

• Noun:
  • The musician played a lively tune on the rebeck during the Renaissance fair. (The performer used this medieval bowed instrument.)
  • Historians believe the rebeck was introduced to Europe from the Middle East. (Scholars trace the instrument's origin.)

Advanced Usage

• "to play the rebeck": to perform music using this specific instrument.
  • In the medieval ensemble, she was skilled enough to play the rebeck alongside the lute. (She performed on the three-string bowed instrument.)

Variants and Related Words

• Rebeck (alternate spelling): The same word is sometimes spelled as "rebec" or "rebeck."
  • The rebeck and rebec are often considered the same instrument. (Both spellings refer to the medieval bowed string instrument.)

Synonyms

• Bowed string instrument: a general category that includes the rebeck.
• Medieval fiddle: a colloquial term for similar instruments of the period.

Related Idioms