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rebus

Origin: L. Rebus by things, abl. Pl. Of res a thing: cf. F. Rebus. Cf. 3d things, abl. Pl. Of res a thing: cf. F. Rebus. Cf. 3d Real.

1. A mode of expressing words and phrases by pictures of objects whose names resemble those words, or the syllables of which they are composed; enigmatical representation of words by figures; hence, a peculiar form of riddle made up of such representations.

A gallant, in love with a woman named rose hill, had, embroidered on his gown, a rose, a hill, an eye, a loaf, and a well, signifying, Rose Hill I love well.

2. A pictorial suggestion on a coat of arms of the name of the person to whom it belongs. See Canting arms, under Canting.