APOLOGUE, Ἀπόλογος, a moral Fable; or a feigned Relation, intended to inform, and amend the Manners. See FABLE.
Such are the Fables of Aesop; whence, moral Fables are usually denominated Aesopic Fables.
Julius Scaliger derives the Name from ἀπό (apo), away, inasmuch as the Apologue means something more than what at first sight it expresses.
Father de Colonia makes it essential to the Apologue, that it contain what passes among Brutes; and distinguishes it from the Parable, by this, that the latter, though feigned, might possibly be true, which the former cannot; since Beasts cannot speak. See PARABLE.
APOLOGUE
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- Written by: Ephraïm Chambers
- Category: Unclassified