Crossword Dictionary

What's The Definition Of Fable?

\Fa"ble\ (f[=a]"b'l), n. [F., fr. L. fabula, fr. fari to speak, say. See {Ban}, and cf. {Fabulous}, {Fame}.] 1. A Feigned story or tale, intended to instruct or amuse; a fictitious narration intended to enforce some useful truth or precept; an apologue. See the Note under {Apologue}. Jotham's fable of the trees is the oldest extant. --Addison. 2. The plot, story, or connected series of events, forming the subject of an epic or dramatic poem. The moral is the first business of the poet; this being formed, he contrives such a design or fable as may be most suitable to the moral. --Dryden. 3. Any story told to excite wonder; common talk; the theme of talk. ``Old wives' fables. '' --1 Tim. iv. 7. We grew The fable of the city where we dwelt. --Tennyson. 4. Fiction; untruth; falsehood. It would look like a fable to report that this gentleman gives away a great fortune by secret methods. --Addison.
\Fa"ble\, v. i. [imp. & p. p. {Fabled}; p. pr. & vb. n. {Fabling}.] To compose fables; hence, to write or speak fiction; to write or utter what is not true. ``He Fables not.'' --Shak. Vain now the tales which fabling poets tell. --Prior. He fables, yet speaks truth. --M. Arnold.
\Fa"ble\, v. t. To feign; to invent; to devise, and speak of, as true or real; to tell of falsely. The hell thou fablest. --Milton.