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.