1. 1. A carnivorous mammal (Martes zibellina) of northern Europe and Asia, having soft dark fur.
   2. The pelt or fur of this animal.
   3. The similar fur of other species of martens.
2. 1. The color black, especially in heraldry.
   2. sables Black garments worn in mourning.
3. A grayish yellowish brown.
4. A sablefish.

1. Of a grayish yellowish brown.
2. Of the color black, as in heraldry or mourning.
3. Dark; somber.
4. Of the fur of the sable: a sable coat.

[Middle English, from Old French, from Middle Low German sabel, from Old Russian sobol', ultimately from Persian samōr.]

The American Heritage® Dictionary of the English Language, Fourth Edition Copyright © 2007, 2000 by Houghton Mifflin Company. Updated in 2009. Published by Houghton Mifflin Company. All rights reserved.