rüˈbä]d.(ˌ)ō, -bȧ], ](ˌ)tō noun
( plural ruba·ti ]d.(ˌ) ē, ](ˌ)tē\ ; or rubatos )
Etymology: Italian, past participle of rubare to rob, of Germanic origin; akin to Old High German roubōn to rob — more at reave
: fluctuation of speed within a musical phrase or measure typically against a rhythmically steady accompaniment