parable

Meanings

1. 1
   noun

   (New Testament) any of the stories told by Jesus to convey his religious message

   the parable of the prodigal son

2. 2
   noun

   A short narrative illustrating a lesson (usually religious/moral) by comparison or analogy.

   In the New Testament the parables told by Jesus Christ convey His message, as in "The parable of the prodigal son".

3. 3
   verb

   To represent by parable.

   Which by the ancient sages was thus parabled.

4. 4
   adj

   That can easily be prepared or procured; obtainable.

   The most parable and easy, and about which many are employed, is to teach a school, turn lecturer or curate […].

5. 5
   noun

   a short moral story (often with animal characters)

Etymology

From Middle English parable, from Old French parable, parabole, from Late Latin parabola, from Ancient Greek παραβολή (parabolḗ, “comparison”). Doublet of parabola, parole, and palaver.