ribibe

ribibe

(rɪˈbaɪb)
n
1. (Instruments) an old-fashioned string instrument also known as a rebeck
2. obsolete a derogatory term for an old woman
Collins English Dictionary – Complete and Unabridged, 12th Edition 2014 © HarperCollins Publishers 1991, 1994, 1998, 2000, 2003, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2011, 2014
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When the summoner threatens to excommunicate the widow, whom he callously curses as "a ribibe" (or "fiddle," 1377) and "olde virytrate!" (or "hag," 1582), she invokes Christ "`So wisly helpe me, as I ne may'" (D.1591) and then Mary "`So wisly help me out of care and synne'" (1605) against his charge of adultery.
"Myne by right": Oath Making and Intent in The Friar's Tale