The headword is nominative plural of si/mblos. For a variant form see sigma 425.
[1] The headword and gloss are derived from the Synagoge sigma80 (Cunningham); likewise Photius, Lexicon, s.v. (Porson 512.6). See the identical gloss in Hesychius sigma661 [σίμβλοuς; MS σίμβλαι] (Latte/Hansen). See also scholion on Aristophanes, Wasps 241a (Koster).
[2] Greek Anthology 6.55.1, 3 (omitting line 2), an epigram by John Barbucallus. The same verses are differently quoted at pi 1501.
[3] Greek Anthology 6.236.3-4, an epigram by Philip of Thessalonica. The same verses are quoted at eta 385. Philip describes a monument commemorating Octavian’s victory at Actium in 31 BC. He observes that bees have nested inside or beneath the bronze rams or rostra of Antony’s ships, which were affixed to the monument as trophies. The verb simbleu/w is attested only in this verse. The commonly accepted interpretation treats present indicative, third person singular, simbleu/ei, as a transitive verb, of which the subject is neuter plural e)/mbola, "rostra" (in line 1, not quoted). However, this reading depends on textual emendation of the unique manuscript, so the possibility that simbleu/ei is intransitive, “waxen gifts of bees hive themselves away”, cannot be ruled out. For commentary see Gow and Page (1968) II 331.