noun
- plural of chebec; small, fast sailing vessels with three masts, historically used in the Mediterranean and by Barbary pirates
Usage: nautical; historical; also spelled 'chebeck' or 'xebec'
Examples
- The Mediterranean traders relied on chebecs for their speed and maneuverability.
- Barbary pirates operated fleets of chebecs to raid merchant vessels.
- Chebecs were known for their distinctive three-masted design and shallow draft.
- The museum's maritime collection includes models of several historical chebecs.