Parable, n.
Etymology: [F. parabole, L. parabola, fr. Gr. gal to drop. Cf. Emblem, Gland, Palaver, Parabola, Parley, Parabole, Symbol.]
A comparison; a similitude; specifically, a short fictitious narrative of something which might really occur in life or nature, by means of which a moral is drawn; as, the parables of Christ. Chaucer. Declare unto us the parable of the tares. Matt. xiii. 36.
Syn. -- See Allegory, and Note under Apologue.
2 other Webster entries under this spelling
Parable, a.
Procurable. [Obs.] Sir T. Browne.
Parable, v. t.
To represent by parable. [R.] Which by the ancient sages was thus parabled. Milton.
Shades of meaning
Fernald has no entry of its own for parable; he lists it under allegory.
Where he writes about it:
The allegory, parable, or fable tells its story as if true, leaving the reader or hearer to discover its fictitious character and learn its lesson. — from allegory
An allegory is a moral or religious tale, of which the moral lesson is the substance, and all descriptions and incidents but accessories, as in "The Pilgrim's Progress." A fable is generally briefer, representing animals as the speakers and actors, and commonly conveying some lesson of practical wisdom or shrewdness, as "The Fables of AEsop." A parable is exclusively moral or religious, briefer and less adorned than an allegory, with its lesson more immediately discernible, given, as it were, at a stroke. — from allegory