D defs.my
Menu ☰
Entry 7 senses · 3 variants Webster, 1913

Proverb

/präv'-ẽrb/ · Prov·erb · IPA /ˈpɹɑvɝb/
01 n. An old and common saying; a phrase which is often repeated; especially, a sentence which briefly and forcibly expresses some practical trut…
  1. 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.
  2. 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. 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. 4.
    A drama exemplifying a proverb.
Phrases & compounds
Book of Proverbs — a canonical book of the Old Testament, containing a great variety of wise maxims.
Syn. Maxim; aphorism; apothegm; adage; saw.
02 v. t. To name in, or as, a proverb.
  1. 1.
    To name in, or as, a proverb.[R.]
    “Am I not sung and proverbed for a fool ?” — Milton.
  2. 2.
    To provide with a proverb.[R.]
    “I am proverbed with a grandsire phrase.” — Shak.
03 v. i. To write or utter proverbs.
  1. 1.
    To write or utter proverbs.[R.]