'Proverb' definitions:

Definition of 'proverb'

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]

From: GCIDE

From: GCIDE

From: 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 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).