Tabby /(tăb"by̆)/

pl. Tabbies ((tăb"bĭz))

1. A kind of waved silk, usually called watered silk, manufactured like taffeta, but thicker and stronger. The watering is given to it by calendering.
2. A mixture of lime with shells, gravel, or stones, in equal proportions, with an equal proportion of water. When dry, this becomes as hard as rock.
3. A brindled cat; hence, popularly, any cat.
4. An old maid or gossip. [Colloq.]

1. Having a wavy or watered appearance; as, a tabby waistcoat.
2. Brindled; diversified in color; as, a tabby cat.

imp. & p. p. Tabbied; p. pr. & vb. n. Tabbying

1. To water; to cause to look wavy, by the process of calendering; to calender; as, to tabby silk, mohair, ribbon, etc.