apologue

noun

ap·​o·​logue ˈa-pə-ˌlȯg 

-ˌläg

: an allegorical narrative usually intended to convey a moral

Synonyms

• allegory
• fable
• parable

Examples of apologue in a Sentence

the film is an apologue of sorts, but the message is couched in a zany and action-filled plot

Word History

Etymology

borrowed from Middle French & Latin; Middle French, borrowed from Latin apologus "tale, fable," borrowed from Greek apólogos "tale, fable, allegory," from apo- apo- + lógos "word, speech, story" — more at legend

First Known Use

circa 1555, in the meaning defined above