n. & v.
n. 1 a a story, esp. a supernatural one, not based on fact. b a tale, esp. with animals as characters, conveying a moral. 2 (collect.) myths and legendary tales (in fable). 3 a a false statement; a lie. b a thing only supposed to exist.
v. 1 intr. tell fictitious tales. 2 tr. describe fictitiously. 3 tr. (as fabled adj.) celebrated in fable; famous, legendary. fabler n.
[ ME f. OF fabler f. L fabulari f. fabula discourse f. fari speak ]