fable

n. [ F., fr. L. fabula, fr. fari to speak, say. See Ban, and cf. Fabulous, Fame. ] 1. A Feigned story or tale, intended to instruct or amuse; a fictitious narration intended to enforce some useful truth or precept; an apologue. See the Note under Apologue. [ 1913 Webster ]

Jotham's fable of the trees is the oldest extant. Addison. [ 1913 Webster ]

A fable may have talking animals anthropomorphically cast as humans representing different character types, sometimes illustrating some moral principle; as, Aesop's Fables. [ PJC ]

2. The plot, story, or connected series of events, forming the subject of an epic or dramatic poem. [ 1913 Webster ]

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. [ 1913 Webster ]

3. Any story told to excite wonder; common talk; the theme of talk. “Old wives' fables. ” 1 Tim. iv. 7. [ 1913 Webster ]

We grew
The fable of the city where we dwelt. Tennyson. [ 1913 Webster ]

4. Fiction; untruth; falsehood. [ 1913 Webster ]

It would look like a fable to report that this gentleman gives away a great fortune by secret methods. Addison. [ 1913 Webster ]