Fabian

Alternative forms

• fabian

Etymology

From Latin Fabianus (“belonging to Fabius”), possibly derived from faba (“bean”).

Pronunciation

• IPA^(key): /ˈfeɪbi.ən/

Adjective

Fabian (comparative more Fabian, superlative most Fabian)

1. Pertaining to or reminiscent of Roman general Fabius Maximus, whose tactics against Hannibal during the Second Punic War famously consisted of delaying or avoiding combat, focusing instead on weakening the enemy by cutting off supply lines.
   • 1988, James McPherson, Battle Cry of Freedom, Oxford, published 2004, page 745:

     Hood complained behind his commander's back to Richmond of Johnston's Fabian strategy.

2. Advocating that social reforms be reached through a series of gradual and moderate stages rather than sudden revolution; specifically, relating to the Fabian Society, a British socialist society advocating reformist socialism.
3. (by extension) cautious; dilatory; avoiding a decisive contest.

Noun

Fabian (plural Fabians)

1. A Fabian socialist, a gradualist socialist; a member of the Fabian Society.

   Synonyms: gradualist, reformist, social democrat

Proper noun

Fabian

1. A male given name. borne by an early pope. Rare in English.

Pronunciation

• Hyphenation: fa‧bian

Proper noun

Fabian

1. a male given name.
2. a surname​

Proper noun

Fabian m

1. A male given name..

Etymology

Borrowed from Latin Fabianus (“belonging to Fabius”).

Pronunciation

• IPA^(key): /ˈfaːbian/

• Audio

  (file)

Proper noun

Fabian

1. A male given name.

Proper noun

Fabian c (genitive Fabians)

1. A male given name.