Nov″el, n. [F. nouvelle. See Novel, a.]
1. That which is new or unusual; a novelty.
2. pl. News; fresh tidings.
Some came of curiosity to hear some novels. Latimer.
3. A fictitious tale or narrative, professing to be conformed to real life; esp., one intended to exhibit the operation of the passions, and particularly of love. Dryden.
4. [L. novellae (sc. constitutiones): cf. F. novelles.] (Law) A new or supplemental constitution. See the Note under Novel, a.