from
The Collaborative International Dictionary of English v.0.48
Apologue \Ap"o*logue\, n. [L. apologous, Gr. ?; ? from + ?
speech, ? to speak: cf. F. apologue.]
A story or relation of fictitious events, intended to convey
some moral truth; a moral fable.
[1913 Webster]
Note: 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. [AE]sop's
fables are good examples of apologues.
[1913 Webster]