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 Tim 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.

, v.t. To feign; to invent; to devise and speak of, as true or real.

The hell thou fablest.