Select an Item in an .each loop like an array?

Select an Item in an .each loop like an array?

Hello,
 
Very simple and probably quick question.
 
Is it possible to reference an object in an each loop like you would an array? I've tried this without success :(
 
  1. var tabList = jQuery('#tabContainer li a');            
  2. tabList.each(function(index) {
  3.       var currentTab = jQuery(this);
  4.       if (index > 0) {
  5.             var previousTab = currentTab[index - 1];
  6.       }
  7. });
    Many thanks
    Chris