proverb
NounWordNet 3.0
Webster's Dictionary (GCIDE)
Proverb \Prov"erb\, n. [OE. proverbe, F. proverbe, from L. proverbium; pro before, for + verbum a word. See Verb.]
1.An old and common saying; a phrase which is often repeated; especially, a sentence which briefly and forcibly expresses some practical truth, or the result of experience and observation; a maxim; a saw; an adage. --Chaucer. Bacon. [1913 Webster]
2.A striking or paradoxical assertion; an obscure saying; an enigma; a parable. [1913 Webster]
His disciples said unto him, Lo, now speakest thou plainly, and speakest no proverb.— John xvi. 29.[1913 Webster]
3.A familiar illustration; a subject of contemptuous reference. [1913 Webster]
Thou shalt become an astonishment, a proverb, and a by word, among all nations.— Deut. xxviii. 37.[1913 Webster]
4.A drama exemplifying a proverb. [1913 Webster]
Book of Proverbs, a canonical book of the Old Testament, containing a great variety of wise maxims. [1913 Webster]
Syn: Maxim; aphorism; apothegm; adage; saw. [1913 Webster]
Proverb \Prov"erb\, v. t.
1.To name in, or as, a proverb. [R.] [1913 Webster]
Am I not sung and proverbed for a fool ?— Milton.[1913 Webster]
2.To provide with a proverb. [R.] [1913 Webster]
I am proverbed with a grandsire phrase.— Shak.[1913 Webster]
Proverb \Prov"erb\, v. i. To write or utter proverbs. [R.] [1913 Webster]