1. a framework of ribs • Hypernyms: framework 2. the act of harassing someone playfully or maliciously (especially by ridicule); provoking someone with persistent annoyances - he ignored their teases - his ribbing was gentle but persistent • Syn: tease, teasing, tantalization • Derivationally related forms: tantalize (for: tantalization), rib, tease (for: teasing), tease (for: tease) • Hypernyms: harassment, molestation