Gabbai

American  

[gah-bahy, gah-bahy, guh-bahy] / gɑˈbaɪ, ˈgɑ baɪ, gəˈbaɪ /

noun

(sometimes lowercase)

plural

Gabbaim,

plural

Gabbais

1. a minor official of a synagogue, having limited ceremonial or administrative functions.

2. (in the early Middle Ages) a government official charged with collecting taxes.

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Etymology

Origin of Gabbai

Literally, “treasurer”

Example Sentences

This is an important year, said David Dario Gabbai, a 93-year-old survivor who traveled to Poland this week from his home in California.

From Washington Post • Jan. 27, 2015

So violently did he weep that the Gabbai or treasurer—one of the most pious master-bootmakers—gave him the "Peace" salutation after the service.

From Dreamers of the Ghetto by Zangwill, Israel

You're the first Gabbai I ever knew who was satisfied with his balance-sheet.

From Ghetto Comedies by Zangwill, Israel

Now the whilom Gabbai and Town Councillor found himself almost patronized—as a poor provincial—by this mincing, genteel clerical couple.

From Ghetto Comedies by Zangwill, Israel

Then S. Cohn felt not only Gabbai, but town councillor again.

From Ghetto Comedies by Zangwill, Israel