I. ˈrēbəs noun
( -es )
Etymology: Latin, by things (abl. plural of res thing) — more at real
1. : a representation of words or syllables by pictures of objects or by symbols whose names resemble the intended words or syllables in sound ; also : a riddle made up wholly or in part of such pictures or symbols
ICURYY4 me is a rebus for I see you are too wise for me
2. : a badge that suggests the name of the person to whom it belongs — compare canting 2
[s]rebus.jpg[/s]
II. transitive verb
( rebused ; rebused ; rebusing ; rebuses )
: to mark with or indicate by a rebus
Abbot Islip's … name is rebused as an eye and the slip of a tree with the hand apparently of a slipping man hanging to it — Edward Clodd