REBUS

rebus. Rebus, n. a kind of riddle, one who reproves

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Re″bus (rē″bŭs), n.; pl. Rebuses (–ĕz). [[L. rebus by things, abl. pl. of res a thing: cf. F. rébus. Cf. 3d Real.]] 1. 1. A mode of expressing words and phrases by pictures of objects whose names resemble those words, or the syllables of which they are composed; enigmatical representation of words by figures; hence, a peculiar form of riddle made up of such representations.
☞ A gallant, in love with a woman named Rose Hill, had, embroidered on his gown, a rose, a hill, an eye, a loaf, and a well, signifying, Rose Hill I love well. 2. 2. (Her.) A pictorial suggestion on a coat of arms of the name of the person to whom it belongs. See Canting arms, under Canting.