Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary -- Volume FH

F (ĕf).

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 Phœnician, the ultimate source being probably Egyptian. Etymologically f is most closely related to p, k, v, and b; as in E. five, Gr. πεντε; E. wolf, L. lupus, Gr. λυκοσ; E. fox, vixen ; fragile, break; fruit, brook, v. t.; E. bear, L. ferre. See Guide to Pronunciation, §§ 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 (fä), n. [It.] (Mus.) (a) A syllable applied to the fourth tone of the diatonic scale in solemnization. (b) The tone F.

Fa·ba"ceous (f·bā"shŭs), 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 (?), n. A member of, or sympathizer with, the Fabian Society.

Fa"bi·an (?), a. [L. Fabianus, Fabius, belonging to Fabius.]

1. Of, pertaining to, or in the manner of, the Roman general, Quintus Fabius Maximus Verrucosus; cautious; dilatory; avoiding a decisive contest.

2. Designating, or pertaining to, a society of socialists, organized in England in 1884 to spread socialistic principles gradually without violent agitation.

The Fabian Society proposes then to conquer by delay; to carry its programme, not by a hasty rush, but through the slower, but, as it thinks, surer methods of patient discussion, exposition, and political action.
William Clarke.

-- 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 (fā"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.