Fabian Fa"bi*an, a. [L. Fabianus, Fabius, belonging to
Fabius.]
Of, pertaining to, or in the manner of, the Roman general,
Quintus Fabius Maximus Verrucosus; cautious; dilatory;
avoiding a decisive contest.
[1913 Webster]
Fabian policy, 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.
[1913 Webster]
-- From The Collaborative International Dictionary of English v.0.48
Fabian Fa"bi*an, a.
1. Of or pertaining to the Roman gens Fabia.
[Webster 1913 Suppl.]
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.
[Webster 1913 Suppl.]