Tale
n.
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That which is told; an oral relation or recital; any rehearsal of what has occured; narrative; discourse; statement; history; story.
We spend our years as a tale that is told.
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A number told or counted off; a reckoning by count; an enumeration; a count, in distinction from measure or weight; a number reckoned or stated.
The ignorant, . . . who measure by tale, and not by weight.
And every shepherd tells his tale,
Under the hawthorn in the dale.
In packing, they keep a just tale of the number.
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A count or declaration. (Law) [Obs.]
Therefore little tale hath he told
Of any dream, so holy was his heart.
Phrases & Compounds
- To tell tale of
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to make account of.