REBEC

rebec. Rebec, n. a fiddle of three strings

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Re″bec (rē″bĕk), n. [[F., fr. It. ribeca, ribeba, fr. Ar. rabāb a musical instrument of a round form.]] 1. 1. (Mus.) 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. 2. A contemptuous term applied to an old woman. Chaucer.