'Proverb' definitions:

Definition of 'proverb'

(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 'Proverb'

From: GCIDE
  • 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]

Definition of 'Proverb'

From: GCIDE
  • Proverb \Prov"erb\, v. i. To write or utter proverbs. [R.] [1913 Webster]

Definition of 'Proverb'

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]

Definition of 'proverb'

From: Easton
  • 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).

Synonyms of 'proverb'

From: Moby Thesaurus

Words containing 'Proverb'