Proverb /(?)/

Prov·erb

Proverb

n.
  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.
  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.

Phrases & Compounds
Book of Proverbs
a canonical book of the Old Testament, containing a great variety of wise maxims.

Proverb

v. t.
  1. To name in, or as, a proverb. [R.]
    Am I not sung and proverbed for a fool ?
  2. To provide with a proverb. [R.]
    I am proverbed with a grandsire phrase.

Proverb

v. i.
  1. To write or utter proverbs. [R.]