n. & adj.
n. a member or supporter of the Fabian Society, an organization of socialists aiming at a gradual rather than revolutionary achievement of socialism.
adj. 1 relating to or characteristic of the Fabians. 2 employing a cautiously persistent and dilatory strategy to wear out an enemy (Fabian tactics). Fabianism n. Fabianist n.
[ L Fabianus f. the name of Q. Fabius Maximus Cunctator (= delayer), Roman general of the 3rd c. BC, noted for cautious strategies ]