1. After the manner of a fable or fiction; as in a fable.
1598. Grenewey, Tacitus’ Ann., VI. vii. (1604), 131. These things are vncertaine and fabulously augmented.
1613. Selden, Notes on Drayton’s Polyolb., viii. (1622), 122. Giants … fabulously supposed begotten by spirits upon Dioclesian’s or Danaus’ daughters.
1646. Sir T. Browne, Pseud. Ep., VI. vi. 295. This they terme mythicon or fabulous, because the account thereof, especially of the first part, is fabulously or imperfectly delivered.
1794. Sullivan, View Nat., II. 467. The voyages, indeed, are fabulously narrated, but are they not as easily to be understood as any other tales of former times?
1856. Lever, Martins of Cro’ M., 527. It would read fabulously enough, such a charge.
2. In deviation from the fact; fictitiously, falsely.
1593. Norden, Spec. Brit., M’sex., I. 36. Growing as is (though as I take it) fabulouslie reported, in regard of a great cure which was performed by this water.
1608. B. Jonson, Masque at Ld. Hadington’s Marriage, Induct., Wks. (1616), 934. The place, from whence (as I haue beene, not fabulously, informed) the honourable family of the Radcliffes first tooke their name.
1726. Leoni, trans. Alberti’s Archit., I. 39 b. A certain Spaniard in our Days was fabulously said to have, who they tell us, could see the lowest Veins of Water that run under Ground, as plainly as if they were above Ground.
3. To a fabulous degree; greatly, immensely.
1845. S. Austin, Ranke’s Hist. Ref., II. 247. He tranquillised Hersfeld and Fulda, not, indeed, without violence, though his cruelties have been fabulously exaggerated.
Mod. He is reported to be fabulously wealthy.
