Dictionary

ribibe en · NOUN

Pronunciation

• /ɹɪˈbaɪb/

Etymology

See rebec.

Meanings

1. (historical) A kind of stringed instrument; a rebec or an instrument similar to it.
   • The tone of the rubebe was similar to that of the lower register of the modern viola. As it possessed but two strings, however, its range was necessarily limited. 1880, Emil Naumann, translated by F. Praeger, The History of Music, volume 1, pages 258–259:
   • Over the high-altar at Gloucester the bosses, which are foliated in the rest of the choir, represent angel-musicians, whose varied orchestra would have out-rivalled that of Nebuchadnezzar the King; harp, hutchet and psaltery; lute, clarion, shawm; bag-pipe, ribibe, gittern; bozine, symphony, cymbals; organ, tabor and timbrel, the very names ring in one's ears like the stately cadences of celestial music. 1935, Mary Désirée Anderson, The Medieval Carver, page 86:
   • The Rybybe is well portrayed among the Norman carvings of the twelfth century which adorn the south doorway of Barfreston Church in Kent (Plate XV). 1911, Francis William Galpin, Old English Instruments of Music, page 81:
   • "The tones of lutes and ribibes [translating German Ribeben] I have right masterly and fine As ordered by imperial might. 1850, “Augustin, court musician to the emperor Maximilian I.”, in Hugh James Rose, editor, A New General Biographical Dictionary, volume 2:
   • The Persian hunting scene, the Arabian ribibi. Here, that is, in Janequin we find ground for one of the basic dissociations of music. 1938, Ezra Pound, Guide to Kulchur:
   • The rebec or ribibe, a favourite instrument with Chaucer, may be counted as one of the precursors of our violin. 1937, Philip K. Hitti, History of The Arabs:
   • Well, my friend, and where is your ribibe, or such like instrument, belonging to a minstrel? 1841, Maria Elizabeth Budden, True Stories from English History. Chronologically Arranged:
2. (derogatory, obsolete) An old woman.
3. (obsolete) A bawd; a prostitute.
   • Or some good ribibe about Kentish Town or Hogsden, you would hang now for a witch 1616, Ben Jonson, The Devil Is an Ass:

Forms

Synonyms

ribible