ˈrekəˌbīt noun
( -s )
Usage: usually capitalized
Etymology: Late Latin Rechabitae (plural), from Hebrew Rēkhābh Rechab, ancestor of the family (Jer 35:2) + Latin -ita -ite
1. : a member of a family group in ancient Israel that lived in tents rather than in houses and abstained from drinking wine
2. : an abstainer from intoxicating drinks ; especially : a member of a benefit society founded in England in 1835 and dedicated to total abstinence
3. : one who lives in tents