Easton's Bible Dictionary (1897)
(Heb. tsebi), properly the gazelle (Arab. ghazal), permitted for food (Deut. 14:5; comp. Deut. 12:15, 22; 15:22; 1 Kings 4:23), noted for its swiftness and beauty and grace of form (2 Sam. 2:18; 1 Chr. 12:8; Cant. 2:9; 7:3; 8:14). The gazelle (Gazella dorcas) is found in great numbers in Palestine. “Among the gray hills of Galilee it is still ‘the roe upon the mountains of Bether,’ and I have seen a little troop of gazelles feeding on the Mount of Olives close to Jerusalem itself” (Tristram). , “doe”), is properly the “wild she-goat,” the mountain goat, the ibex.
Schaff's Bible Dictionary
ROE, ROE'BUCK (beauty), an animal especially fleet of foot, 2 Sam 2:18; 1 Chr 12:8, and elegant in form. Roe, or Gazelle. (Gazella Dorcas. ) Song 2:9, 2 Sam 21:17; Am 8:14. The gazelle (Gazella dorcas) satisfies these and all other requirements, and is still very abundant in Palestine and adjacent regions. The Jews might use the roe as food, Deut 12:15, Josh 11:22; it was hunted, Isa 13:14:" it is amiable, affectionate, and loving, by universal testimony," Prov 5:19; and it has ever been admired for its beauty, which is the meaning of its Hebrew name. " Acts 9:36.