rebus /ˈɹiːbəs/noun 4verb 2forms 8 noun4 •An arrangement of pictures, symbols, or words representing phrases or words, especially as a word puzzle.I back him at a Rebus or a Charade against the best Rhymer in the Kingdom—has your Ladyship heard the Epigram he wrote last week on Lady Frizzle's Feather catching Fire— — 1777 •An arrangement of pictures on a coat of arms which suggests the name of the person to whom it belongs.The prior [Will Bolton] used to come out here to hunt in summer and recreate himself, and his rebus—a barrel or tun shot through with a crossbow bolt—is set into the garden walls. — 2020 •A type of crossword puzzle in which some squares contain entire words, or symbols representing words, instead of single letters.Instead of spelling out card suits, for example, perhaps the constructor inserted a "rebus," or picture icon for clubs, hearts, spades, or diamonds in one answer box. — 2008 •A pictographic component of a compound character (e.g. sinograph) used to hint at the pronunciation of the compound. verb2 •(no longer used, rare) To represent (a phrase or word) as a rebus. •(no longer used, rare) To apply a rebus to (something).He [John Morton] was a learned man, and had a fair library, (rebussed with more in text and tun under it,) partly remaining in the possession of the late earl of Arundel. — 1655 formsrebused · rebussed · rebusing · rebussing · rebuses · rebusses · rebi · rebusses
