History of the star: Tabit might be from the Arabic Al Thabit "Endurer" [this is also a title for upsilon orion, a much smaller star that lies on the lower edge of his tunic]. Tabit is the northern star in the skin that is held in the left hand of Orion that the Hunter is showing off as a trophy.

Tabit, pi³, is one of the stars in the skin; the other stars are unnamed; omicron¹, omicron², pi¹, pi², pi⁴, pi⁵ and g; these stars are in a vertical line at the right of the figure of Orion, and indicate the lion's skin.

With Pliny these stars in the lion's skin are supposed to have been a separate constellation known as the Shield, made from the bull's hide of the Hyriean legend [Zeus, Hermes and Poseidon were entertained royally by Hyneus. In gratitude for his hospitality, these gods promised to grant Hyneus whatever he requested. Hyneus asked for a son. The three gods then took the hide of a cow or bull, urinated in it (the word Orion is related to "Urine" in Greek), and buried it. Nine months later Orion emerged from the ground].

The stars in the Skin were the Persians' Al Taj, "the Crown", or "Tiara", of their kings; and the Arabians' Al Kumm, "the Sleeve" of the garment in which they dressed the Giant, the skin being omitted.

Al Sufi's title was Manica "a sleeve" in heraldry, from a Latin term for a protecting Gauntlet; Mantile and it was figured as a cloth thrown over the Giant's arm.

Arabic Al Dhawaib, "Anything Pendent"; was another name.

[Star Names, Their Lore and Meaning, Richard Hinchley Allen, 1889].

The astrological influences of the constellation: It is said to give a strong and dignified nature, self-confidence, inconstancy, arrogance, violence, impiety, and prosperity in trade and particularly in voyages or abroad, but danger of treachery and poison. It was thought by the Romans to be very harmful to cattle and productive of storms. By the Kabalists it is associated with the Hebrew letter Aleph and the 1^st Tarot Trump "The Juggler". (The Magician). (Robson).  

The astrological influences of the constellation given by Manilius: 

Near neighbor to the Twins (Gemini), Orion may be seen stretching his arms over a vast expanse of sky and rising to the stars with no less huge a stride. A single light marks each of his shining shoulders, and three aslant trace the downward line of his sword ; but three mark Orion's head, which is imbedded in high heaven with his countenance remote." It is Orion who leads the constellations as they speed over the full circuit of heaven. [Astronomica, Manilius, 1st century AD. p.35.]

Orion will fashion alert minds and agile bodies, souls prompt to respond to duty's call, and hearts which press on with unflagging energy in spite of every trial. A son of Orion's will be worth a multitude and will seem to dwell in every quarter of the city; flying from door to door with the one word of morning greeting, he will enjoy the friendship of all. [Astronomica, Manilius, 1st century AD. p.305.]