xebec

[ zee-bek ]

noun

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

xebec

/ ˈziːbɛk /

noun

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

Word History and Origins

Origin of xebec¹

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

Word History and Origins

Origin of xebec¹

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

Example Sentences

Every time one of her boats rowed past the xebec it would be challenged and ugly things said.

From Project Gutenberg

The next morning Decatur had himself rowed over to the xebec, and went on board.

From Project Gutenberg

The small cannon of the xebec had been dismounted, but they hastily tied them with ropes.

From Project Gutenberg

The first broadside from the ship's cannons kills five men on the deck of the xebec, among them the father of Riquer.

From Project Gutenberg

And the end of it was he never againIn a Xanthic Xebec went sailing the main.

From Project Gutenberg