Crossword Dictionary

What's The Definition Of 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. 2. A striking or paradoxical assertion; an obscure saying; an enigma; a parable. His disciples said unto him, Lo, now speakest thou plainly, and speakest no proverb. --John xvi. 29. 3. A familiar illustration; a subject of contemptuous reference. Thou shalt become an astonishment, a proverb, and a by word, among all nations. --Deut. xxviii. 37. 4. A drama exemplifying a proverb. {Book of Proverbs}, a canonical book of the Old Testament, containing a great variety of wise maxims. Syn: Maxim; aphorism; apothegm; adage; saw.
\Prov"erb\, v. t. 1. To name in, or as, a proverb. [R.] Am I not sung and proverbed for a fool ? --Milton. 2. To provide with a proverb. [R.] I am proverbed with a grandsire phrase. --Shak.
\Prov"erb\, v. i. To write or utter proverbs. [R.]