in medieval literature, esp. French and English literature, a short story in verse telling comic incidents of ordinary life, usually with earthy realism
See fabliau in American Heritage Dictionary 4
(făbˈlē-ōˌ)
nounpl.fab·li·aux(-lē-ōˌ, -ōzˌ)
A medieval verse tale characterized by comic, ribald treatment of themes drawn from life.