noun
Refers to a book that is difficult to find, often used in bibliophile, antiquarian, or library contexts.
彼は稀覯本を集めるのが趣味だ。
His hobby is collecting rare books.
この図書館には多くの稀覯本が所蔵されている。
This library holds many rare books.
絶版本 means 'out-of-print book', focusing on unavailability from the publisher, whereas 稀覯本 refers to rarity regardless of publication status.
Compound of 稀覯 (rare, scarce) + 本 (book). 稀覯 is itself a compound of 稀 (rare) and 覯 (to see, encounter), suggesting something rarely seen.