Definify.com
Webster 1913 Edition
Apologue
Ap′o-logue
,Noun.
[L.
apologous
, Gr. [GREEK]; [GREEK] from + [GREEK] speech, [GREEK] to speak: cf. F. apologue
.] A story or relation of fictitious events, intended to convey some moral truth; a moral fable.
☞ An apologue differs from a parable in this;: the parable is drawn from events which take place among mankind, and therefore requires probability in the narrative; the apologue is founded on supposed actions of brutes or inanimate things, and therefore is not limited by strict rules of probability. Æsop’s fables are good examples of apologues.
Webster 1828 Edition
Apologue
AP'OLOGUE
,Noun.
A moral fable; a story or relation of fictitious events, intended to convey useful truths. An apologue differs from a parable in this; the parable is drawn from events which pass among mankind, and is therefore supported by probability; an apologue may be founded on supposed actions of brutes or inanimate things, and therefore does not require to be supported by probability. Esop's fables are good examples of apologues.