Rebus \Re"bus\, n.; pl. Rebuses. [L. rebus by things, abl. pl.
of res a thing: cf. F. r['e]bus. Cf. 3d things, abl. pl. of
res a thing: cf. F. r['e]bus. 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.
Note: 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. (Her.) A pictorial suggestion on a coat of arms of the
name of the person to whom it belongs. See Canting arms,
under Canting.
Source: Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary (1913)
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