1. (Mus.)
Defn: An instrument formerly used which somewhat resembled the
violin, having three strings, and being played with a bow. [Written
also rebeck.] Milton.
He turn'd his rebec to a mournful note. Drayton.
2. A contemptuous term applied to an old woman. [Obs.] Chaucer.
REBEL
Reb"el, a. Etym: [F. rebelle, fr. L. rebellis. See Rebel, v. t.]
Defn: Pertaining to rebels or rebellion; acting in revolt;
rebellious; as, rebel troops.
Whoso be rebel to my judgment. Chaucer.
Convict by flight, and rebel to all law. Milton.
REBEL
Reb"el, n. Etym: [F. rebelle.]
Defn: One who rebels.
Syn. — Revolter; insurgent. — Rebel, Insurgent. Insurgent marks an early, and rebel a more advanced, stage of opposition to government. The former rises up against his rulers, the latter makes war upon them.
REBEL
Re*bel", v. i. [imp. & p. p. Rebelled; p. pr. & vb. n. Rebelling.]
Etym: [F. rebeller, fr. L. rebellare to make war again; pref. re-
again + bellare to make war, fr. bellum war. See Bellicose, and cf.
Revel to carouse.]
1. To renounce, and resist by force, the authority of the ruler or government to which one owes obedience. See Rebellion. The murmur and the churl's rebelling. Chaucer. Ye have builded you an altar, that ye might rebel this day against the Lord. Josh. xxii. 16.