xebec

[ zee-bek ]

/ ˈzi bɛk /

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Definition of xebec

noun

a small, three-masted vessel of the Mediterranean, formerly much used by corsairs, now employed to some extent in commerce.

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Also chebeck, zebec, zebeck.

Origin of xebec

1750–60; alteration of earlier chebec<French <Catalan xabec or Spanish xabeque (now jabeque), both <Arabic shabbāk

Words nearby xebec

xcl, xd, Xda, x-disease, Xe, xebec, Xenakis, xenia, xenial, xenic acid, Xenical

Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2022

How to use xebec in a sentence

Every time one of her boats rowed past the xebec it would be challenged and ugly things said.
Stories of Our Naval Heroes|Various
The next morning Decatur had himself rowed over to the xebec, and went on board.
Stories of Our Naval Heroes|Various
The small cannon of the xebec had been dismounted, but they hastily tied them with ropes.
The Dead Command|Vicente Blasco Ibez
The first broadside from the ship's cannons kills five men on the deck of the xebec, among them the father of Riquer.
The Dead Command|Vicente Blasco Ibez

And the end of it was he never againIn a Xanthic Xebec went sailing the main.
The Book of Humorous Verse|Various

British Dictionary definitions for xebec

xebec

zebec or zebeck

/ (ˈziːbɛk) /

noun

a small three-masted Mediterranean vessel with both square and lateen sails, formerly used by Algerian pirates and later used for commerce

Word Origin for xebec

C18: earlier chebec from French, ultimately from Arabic shabbāk; present spelling influenced by Catalan xabec, Spanish xabeque (now jabeque)

Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012