adage
NounWordNet 3.0
Webster's Dictionary (GCIDE)
Adage \Ad"age\, n. [F. adage, fr. L. adagium; ad + the root of L. aio I say.] An old saying, which has obtained credit by long use; a proverb. [1913 Webster]
Letting "I dare not" wait upon "I would," Like the poor cat i' the adage. --Shak. [1913 Webster]
Syn: Axiom; maxim; aphorism; proverb; saying; saw; apothegm. See Axiom. [1913 Webster]
The Devil's Dictionary
ADAGE, n. Boned wisdom for weak teeth.