Fable
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.