I. ˈsā-bəl noun
( plural sables )
Etymology: Middle English, from Anglo-French, from Middle Low German sabel sable or its fur, from Middle High German zobel, of Slavic origin; akin to Russian sobol' sable or its fur
Date: 14th century
1.
a. : the color black
b. : black clothing worn in mourning — usually used in plural
2.
a. or plural sable
(1) : a carnivorous mammal ( Martes zibellina ) of the weasel family that occurs chiefly in northern Asia
(2) : any of various animals related to the sable
b. : the fur or pelt of a sable
3. : the usually dark brown color of the fur of the sable
II. adjective
Date: 15th century
1. : of the color black
2. : dark , gloomy