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.
© Webster 1913.
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.
© Webster 1913.
Prov"erb, v. i.
To write or utter proverbs.
[R.]
© Webster 1913.