Etymology

From the Latin Fabianus, belonging to Fabius .

Adjective

1. 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 .
2. (Usually with a capital) Advocating that socialism be reached through a series of gradual and moderate reforms; believing in the slogan, The movement is everything, the goal is nothing; relating to the Fabian Society, a British socialist society advocating reformist socialism.

Noun

1. (Usually with a capital) A fabian socialist, a gradualist socialist; a member of the Fabian Society.

Synonyms

gradualist , reformist , moderate, social democrat , liberal socialist, moderate socialist

Related Words

Fabianism