I. ˈparəbəl also ˈper- noun
( -s )
Etymology: Middle English, from Middle French parable, parabole, from Late Latin parabola, from Greek parabolē juxtaposition, comparison, parable, superposition (in geometry), parabola, from paraballein to throw or set alongside, compare, superpose (in geometry), from para- para- (I) + ballein to throw — more at devil
: comparison , similitude ; specifically : a usually short fictitious story that illustrates a moral attitude or a religious principle
relating the parable of the prodigal son
Synonyms: see allegory
II. adjective
Etymology: Latin parabilis, from parare to get ready, prepare + -abilis, -able — more at pare
obsolete : procurable