\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 stern and
convex decks, used in the Mediterranean for transporting
merchandise, etc. It carries large square sails, or both.
Xebecs were formerly armed and used by corsairs.