Informal term for a Confederate soldier during the American Civil War, or a shortened form of 'rebel.' Also used as an honorific title for a rabbi in some Jewish communities.
Shortened from 'rebel,' particularly associated with Confederate soldiers who were called 'rebs' by Union forces. Also from Yiddish/Hebrew 'reb,' an honorific title meaning 'master' or 'teacher,' used before a rabbi's name.
The dual meaning of 'reb' - both Civil War Confederate and Jewish religious leader - shows how the same sound can carry completely different cultural meanings. The Civil War usage was often derogatory, while the Jewish usage is deeply respectful, highlighting how context shapes meaning.
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