gab·bai \gäˈbī, ˈ ̷ ̷ˌ ̷ ̷\noun (pluralgab·ba·im \-īə̇m, -ī(ˌ)ēm\ ; alsogabbais) Etymology: Hebrew gabbay collector, treasurer 1.: a collector of charitable gifts or of taxes among the Jews in talmudic times 2.: a synagogue official; especially: a treasurer or administrator of synagogue funds