/say"beuhl/ , n. , pl. sables , ( esp. collectively for 1, 2 ) sable , adj.
n.
1. an Old World weasellike mammal, Mustela zibellina, of cold regions in Eurasia and the North Pacific islands, valued for its dark brown fur.
2. a marten, esp. Mustela americana.
3. the fur of the sable.
4. the color black, often being one of the heraldic colors.
5. sables , mourning garments.
adj.
6. of the heraldic color sable.
7. made of the fur or hair of the sable.
8. very dark; black.
[ 1275-1325; ME sabel (cf. late OHG zobel ) sóbol', Lith sàbalas; ulterior orig. obscure ]