from
The Collaborative International Dictionary of English v.0.48
Xebec \Xe"bec\ (z[=e]"b[e^]k), n. [Sp. jabegue, formerly spelt
xabeque, or Pg. xabeco; both from Turk. sumbeki a kind of
Asiatic ship; cf. Per. sumbuk, Ar. sumb[=u]k a small ship.]
(Naut.)
A small three-masted vessel, with projecting bow and stern
and convex decks, used in the Mediterranean for transporting
merchandise, etc. It carries large square sails, or lateen
sails, or both. Xebecs were formerly armed and used by
corsairs.
[1913 Webster]