'Byword' definitions:

Definition of 'byword'

From: WordNet
noun
A condensed but memorable saying embodying some important fact of experience that is taken as true by many people [syn: proverb, adage, saw, byword]

Definition of 'Byword'

From: GCIDE
  • Byword \By"word`\, n. [AS. b["i]word; b["i], E. by + word.]
  • 1. A common saying; a proverb; a saying that has a general currency. [1913 Webster]
  • I knew a wise man that had it for a byword. --Bacon. [1913 Webster]
  • 2. The object of a contemptuous saying. [1913 Webster]
  • Thou makest us a byword among the heathen. --Ps. xliv. 14 [1913 Webster]

Definition of 'Byword'

From: Easton
  • By-word Hebrew _millah_ (Job 30:9), a word or speech, and hence object of talk; Hebrew _mashal_ (Ps. 44:14), a proverb or parable. When it denotes a sharp word of derision, as in Deut. 28:37, 1 Kings 9:7, 2 Chr. 7:20, the Hebrew _sheninah_ is used. In Jer. 24:9 it is rendered "taunt."

Synonyms of 'byword'

From: Moby Thesaurus