FABLE, n. [L., 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 4.4. 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, v.i. 1. To feign; to write fiction.Vain now the tales which fabling poets tell.2. To tell falsehoods; as, he fables not.FABLE, v.t. To feign; to invent; to devise and speak of, as true or real. The hell thou fablest.
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