1. That which is told; an oral relation or recital; any rehearsal of what has occured; narrative; discourse; statement; history; story. "The tale of Troy divine." Milton. "In such manner rime is Dante's tale." Chaucer. We spend our years as a tale that is told. Ps. xc. 9.
2. A number told or counted off; a reckoning by count; an enumeration; a count, in distinction from measure or weight; a number reckoned or stated. The ignorant, . . . who measure by tale, and not by weight. Hooker. And every shepherd tells his tale, Under the hawthornn in the dale. Milton. In packing, they keep a just tale of the number. Carew.
3. (Law)
Defn: A count or declaration. [Obs.] To tell tale of, to make account
of. [Obs.]
Therefore little tale hath he told Of any dream, so holy was his
heart. Chaucer.
Syn. — Anecdote; story; fable; incident; memoir; relation; account; legend; narrative.
TALE
Tale, v. i.
Defn: To tell stories. [Obs.] Chaucer. Gower.
TALEBEARER
Tale"bear`er, n.
Defn: One who officiously tells tales; one who impertinently or maliciously communicates intelligence, scandal, etc., and makes mischief. Spies and talebearers, encouraged by her father, did their best to inflame her resentment. Macaulay.
TALEBEARING
Tale"bear`ing, a.