fable

FABLE, noun [Latin , Gr. The radical sense is that which is spoken or told.] 1. A feigned story or tale, intended to instruct or amuse; a fictitious narration intended to enforce some useful truth or precept. Jothams fable of the trees is the oldest extant, and as beautiful as any made since. 2. Fiction in general; as, the story is all a fable 3. An idle story; vicious or vulgar fictions. But refuse profane and old wives fables. 1 Timothy 4:7. 4. The plot, or connected series of events, in 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. 5. Falsehood; a softer term for a lie. FABLE, verb intransitive 1. To feign; to write fiction. Vain now the tales which fabling poets tell. 2. To tell falsehoods; as, he fables not. FABLE, verb transitive To feign; to invent; to devise and speak of, as true or real. The hell thou fablest.