Emily Dickinson Lexicon
Definition for FA'BLE
FA'BLE, n. [L. fabula; Fr. fable; It. favola; Ir. fabhal; Sp. fabula, from the Latin, but the native Spanish word is habla, speech. Qu. W. hebu, to speak; Gr. επω. The radical sense is that which is spoken or told.]
- A feigned story or tale, intended to instruct or amuse; a fictitious narration intended to enforce some useful truth or precept. Jotham's fable of the trees is the oldest extant, and as beautiful as any made since. Addison.
- Fiction in general; as, the story is all a fable.
- An idle story; vicious or vulgar fictions. But refuse profane and old wives' fables. 1 Tim. iv.
- 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. Dryden.
- Falsehood; a softer term for a lie. Addison.
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