FABIAN

fabian. Fabian, a. in imitation of Fabius, delaying

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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. Fabian policy, a 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.