adjective

Etymology: ME novell < OFr novel < L novellus, dim. of novus, new

noun

1. Obsolete novella (sense )
2. a relatively long fictional prose narrative with a more or less complex plot or pattern of events, about actions, feelings, motives, etc. of a group of characters
3. the type or form of literature represented by such narratives: with the

4. Etymology: < LL novellae (constitutiones)

   Rom. Law a new law or decree, specif. one made by Justinian supplementary to the Justinian code: usually used in pl.

Etymology: It novella < L neut. pl. of novellus (see novelthe ), hence, orig., new things, news