Emily Dickinson Lexicon

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.]

1. 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.
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 Tim. iv.
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. Dryden.
5. Falsehood; a softer term for a lie. Addison.