Fable

n. [Fr. fable, Pr. fabla, faula, It. favola, Sp. & Pg. fabula, Lat. fabula, from fari, to speak, say.] 1. A feigned story or tale, intended to instruct or amuse; a fictitious narration intended to enforce some useful truth or precept; an apologue. Jotham's fable of the trees is the oldest extant, and as beautiful as any made since. Addison. 2. The plot, 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. Fiction; untruth; falsehood. It would look like a fable to report that this gentleman gives away a great fortune by secret methods. Addison.