/reuh bah"toh, -bay"-/ , n. , pl. rabatos .
1. a wide, stiff collar of the 17th century, worn flat over the shoulders or open in front and standing at the back.
2. a stiff frame of wire or wood worn in the 17th century as a support for a ruff or stand-up collar.
Also, rebato .
[ 1585-95; rabateau; cf. RABAT 1 ]