D defs.my
Entry 1 sense Webster, 1913

Adage

/ăd'-əj/ · Ad·age · IPA /ˈæd.ɪd͡ʒ/
01 n. An old saying, which has obtained credit by long use; a proverb.
  1. 1.
    An old saying, which has obtained credit by long use; a proverb.
    “Letting “I dare not” wait upon “I would,” Like the poor cat i' the adage.” Shak.