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.]
