F (f). 1. F is the sixth letter of the English alphabet, and a nonvocal
consonant. Its form and sound are from the Latin. The Latin borrowed
the form from the Greek digamma &?;, which probably had the value of
English w consonant. The form and value of Greek letter came from the
Phúnician, the ultimate source being probably Egyptian. Etymologically
f is most closely related to p, k, v, and b; as in E. five, Gr. pe`nte;
E. wolf, L. lupus, Gr. ly`kos; E. fox, vixen ; fragile, break; fruit,
brook, v. t.; E. bear, L. ferre. See Guide to Pronunciation, ßß 178,
179, 188, 198, 230.
2. (Mus.) The name of the fourth tone of the model scale, or scale of
C. F sharp (F ) is a tone intermediate between F and G.
F clef, the bass clef. See under Clef.
Fa (f‰), n. [It.] (Mus.) (a) A syllable applied to the fourth tone of
the diatonic scale in solmization. (b) The tone F.
Fa*ba"ceous (f*b"shs), a. [L. fabaceus, fr. faba bean.] Having the
nature of a bean; like a bean.
||Fa*bel"la (?), n.; pl. Fabellae (-l&?;). [NL., dim. of L. faba a
||bean.] (Anat.) One of the small sesamoid bones situated behind the
||condyles of the femur, in some mammals.
Fa"bi*an (?), a. [L. Fabianus, Fabius, belonging to Fabius.] 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.
Fa"ble (f"b'l), n. [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.