n.[C]

1. 故事，传说；叙述
   Grandpa told the children the tales of his childhood.

   爷爷给孩子们讲他童年的故事。

2. 谎话，捏造的话
   Children shouldn't tell tales.

   孩子不应该撒谎。

3. 流言蜚语，闲话，坏话[P]
4. 计数；总数[the S]

n.

1. a fictitious or true story, especially one that is imaginatively recounted.
   ▸a lie.
2. archaic a number or total.