Fable

Fa′ble (fā′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.