fable

Definition

A fictitious narrative intended to enforce some useful truth or precept, usually with animals, etc. as characters; an apologue. Prototypically, Aesop's Fables.

Etymology

From Middle English, borrowed from Old French fable, from Latin fābula, from fārī (“to speak, say”) + -bula (“instrumental suffix”). See ban, and compare fabulous, fame. Doublet of fabula.

Example Sentences

• "But refuſe prophane and olde wiues fables, and exerciſe thy ſelfe rather vnto godlineſſe."
• "[…]we grew / The fable of the city where we dwelt."
• "I say it would look like a fable to report that this gentleman gives away all which is the overplus of a great fortune by secret methods to other men."

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