A female antelope, or gazelle, a pious Christian widow at Joppa whom Peter restored to life (Acts 9:36-41). She was a Hellenistic Jewess, called Tabitha by the Jews and Dorcas by the Greeks.
Dorcas
Dorcas was loved, and her friends showed it when she died. Acts 9:36 introduces a disciple at Joppa named Tabitha, “full of good works and almsdeeds”. When she fell sick and was laid in an upper chamber, the disciples sent for Peter, and the widows stood weeping, showing the coats and garments she had made. Peter sent them all out, knelt and prayed, then said, “Tabitha, arise.” She opened her eyes, and he presented her alive. News spread through Joppa, and many believed in the Lord. The whole story fits in Acts 9:36-42.
7 verses
Acts
Acts 9:36
Now there was at Joppa a certain disciple named Tabitha, which by interpretation is called Dorcas: this woman was full of good works and almsdeeds which she did.
Acts 9:37
And it came to pass in those days, that she was sick, and died: whom when they had washed, they laid her in an upper chamber.
Acts 9:38
And forasmuch as Lydda was nigh to Joppa, and the disciples had heard that Peter was there, they sent unto him two men, desiring him that he would not delay to come to them.
Acts 9:39
Then Peter arose and went with them. When he was come, they brought him into the upper chamber: and all the widows stood by him weeping, and shewing the coats and garments which Dorcas made, while she was with them.
Acts 9:40
But Peter put them all forth, and kneeled down, and prayed; and turning him to the body said, Tabitha, arise. And she opened her eyes: and when she saw Peter, she sat up.
Acts 9:41
And he gave her his hand, and lifted her up, and when he had called the saints and widows, presented her alive.
Acts 9:42
And it was known throughout all Joppa; and many believed in the Lord.
From Easton's Bible Dictionary
Matthew George Easton, 1897
From Smith's Bible Dictionary
William Smith, 1884
(gazelle). [TABITHA]