Defn: Having the nature of a bean; like a bean.
FABELLA
Fa*bel"la, n.; pl. Fabellae (-l. Etym: [NL., dim. of L. faba a bean.]
(Anat.)
Defn: One of the small sesamoid bones situated behind the condyles of the femur, in some mammals.
FABIAN
Fa"bi*an, a. Etym: [L. Fabianus, Fabius, belonging to Fabius.]
Defn: Of, pertaining to, or in the manner of, the Roman general, Quintus Fabius Maximus Verrucosus; cautious; dilatory; avoiding a decisive contest. Fabian policy, a policy like that of Fabius Maximus, who, by carefully avoiding decisive contests, foiled Hannibal, harassing his army by marches, countermarches, and ambuscades; a policy of delays and cautions.
FABLE Fa"ble, n. Etym: [F., fr. L. fabula, fr. fari to speak, say. See Ban, and cf. Fabulous, Fame.]
1. A Feigned story or tale, intended to instruct or amuse; a fictitious narration intended to enforce some useful truth or precept; an apologue. See the Note under Apologue. Jotham's fable of the trees is the oldest extant. Addison .
2. The plot, story, or connected series of events, forming the subject of an epic or dramatic poem. The moral is the first business of the poet; this being formed, he contrives such a design or fable as may be most suitable to the moral. Dryden.
3. Any story told to excite wonder; common talk; the theme of talk. "Old wives' fables. " 1 Tim. iv. 7. We grew The fable of the city where we dwelt. Tennyson.
4. Fiction; untruth; falsehood. It would look like a fable to report that this gentleman gives away a great fortune by secret methods. Addison.