Main Entry: ¹tab·by

Pronunciation: \ˈta-bē\

Function: noun

Inflected Form(s): plural tabbies

Etymology: French tabis, from Middle French atabis, from Medieval Latin attabi, from Arabic ʽattābī, from Al-ʽAttābīya, quarter in Baghdad

Date: 1638

1 a archaic : a plain silk taffeta especially with moiré finish b : a plain-woven fabric
2 [²tabby] a : a domestic cat with a striped and mottled coat b : a domestic cat; especially : a female cat

[tabby illustration]