Augean Stables, the stables of Augeas, king of Elis. Three thousand oxen had been kept here for thirty years. The cleansing of these stables formed one of the twelve labors of Hercules. It was performed by him in a single day. The words, "Augean Stables," have come to be used figuratively for an excessive accumulation of filth. The expression is also used to describe corrupt political conditions, implying that the remedy is almost beyond human power. See HERCULES.