rabato or re·ba·to [ruh-bah-toh, -bey-] Word Origin noun, plural ra·ba·tos.
- a wide, stiff collar of the 17th century, worn flat over the shoulders or open in front and standing at the back.
- a stiff frame of wire or wood worn in the 17th century as a support for a ruff or stand-up collar.
Origin of rabato 1585–95; French (obsolete) rabateau; cf. rabat1 British Dictionary definitions for rabato rabato rebato noun plural -tos
- a wired or starched collar, often of intricate lace, that stood up at the back and sides: worn in the 17th century
Word Origin for rabato C16: from French rabat collar, with the ending -o added as if the word were from Italian