— proverblike , adj.
/prov"euhrb/ , n.
1. a short popular saying, usually of unknown and ancient origin, that expresses effectively some commonplace truth or useful thought; adage; saw.
2. a wise saying or precept; a didactic sentence.
3. a person or thing that is commonly regarded as an embodiment or representation of some quality; byword.
4. Bible. a profound saying, maxim, or oracular utterance requiring interpretation.
v.t.
5. to utter in the form of a proverb.
6. to make (something) the subject of a proverb.
7. to make a byword of.
[ 1275-1325; ME proverbe proverbium adage, equiv. to pro- PRO- 1 + verb ( um ) WORD + -ium -IUM ]
Syn. 1. aphorism, apothegm. PROVERB, MAXIM are terms for short, pithy sayings. A PROVERB is such a saying popularly known and repeated, usually expressing simply and concretely, though often metaphorically, a truth based on common sense or the practical experience of humankind: "A stitch in time saves nine." A MAXIM is a brief statement of a general and practical truth, esp. one that serves as a rule of conduct or a precept: "It is wise to risk no more than one can afford to lose."