proverb

proverb
    n 1: a condensed but memorable saying embodying some important
         fact of experience that is taken as true by many people
         [syn: {proverb}, {adage}, {saw}, {byword}]
    

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]
    

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
a trite maxim; a similitude; a parable. The Hebrew word thus
rendered (mashal) has a wide signification. It comes from a root
meaning "to be like," "parable." Rendered "proverb" in Isa.
14:4; Hab. 2:6; "dark saying" in Ps. 49:4, Num. 12:8. Ahab's
defiant words in answer to the insolent demands of Benhadad,
"Let not him that girdeth on his harness boast himself as he
that putteth it off," is a well known instance of a proverbial
saying (1 Kings 20:11).
    

52 Moby Thesaurus words for "proverb":
      adage, ana, analects, aphorism, apophthegm, apothegm, axiom,
      bromide, byword, catchword, cliche, coin a phrase,
      collected sayings, commonplace, current saying, dictate, dictum,
      distich, epigram, expression, gnome, golden saying, homily, maxim,
      moral, mot, motto, oracle, phrase, pithy saying, platitude,
      precept, prescript, proverbial saying, proverbs, saw, saying,
      sentence, sententious expression, sloka, stock saying, sutra,
      teaching, text, truism, verse, wisdom, wisdom literature,
      wise saying, witticism, word, words of wisdom