FABLE, noun [Latin , 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 4:7.

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, verb intransitive

1. To feign; to write fiction.

Vain now the tales which fabling poets tell.

2. To tell falsehoods; as, he fables not.

FABLE, verb transitive To feign; to invent; to devise and speak of, as true or real.

The hell thou fablest.