xe·bec also ze·bec or ze·beck (z  b k )n. A small three-masted Mediterranean vessel with both square and lateen sails. [French chebec, probably from Catalan xabec, from Arabic  abb k, from abaka, to entwine, fasten; see  bk in Semitic roots.] |
xebec, zebec, zebeck [ˈziːbɛk]
n
(Transport / Nautical Terms) a small three-masted Mediterranean vessel with both square and lateen sails, formerly used by Algerian pirates and later used for commerce
[earlier chebec from French, ultimately from Arabic shabbāk; present spelling influenced by Catalan xabec, Spanish xabeque (now jabeque)]
Want to thank TFD for its existence? Tell a friend about us, add a link to this page, add the site to iGoogle, or visit the webmaster's page for free fun content.
| ?Page tools | ||
|---|---|---|
|