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allegory

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The definition of an allegory is a story in which people, things or happenings have a symbolic meaning.

(noun)

Aesop's Fables are an example of an allegory.

See allegory in Webster's New World College Dictionary

a story in which people, things, and happenings have a hidden or symbolic meaning: allegories are used for teaching or explaining ideas, moral principles, etc.
the presenting of ideas by means of such stories
any symbol or emblem

Origin: ME allegorie < L allegoria < Gr allēgoria, description of one thing under the image of another < allos, other (see else) + agoreuein, to speak in assembly < agora, agora

See allegory in American Heritage Dictionary 4

noun pl. al·le·go·ries

a. The representation of abstract ideas or principles by characters, figures, or events in narrative, dramatic, or pictorial form.
b. A story, picture, or play employing such representation. John Bunyan's Pilgrim's Progress and Herman Melville's Moby Dick are allegories.
A symbolic representation: The blindfolded figure with scales is an allegory of justice.

Origin:

Origin: Middle English allegorie

Origin: , from Latin allēgoria

Origin: , from Greek

Origin: , from allēgorein, to interpret allegorically

Origin: : allos, other; see al-¹ in Indo-European roots

Origin: + agoreuein, to speak publicly (from agora, marketplace; see ger- in Indo-European roots)

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