Proverb \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.
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2. A striking or paradoxical assertion; an obscure saying; an
enigma; a parable.
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His disciples said unto him, Lo, now speakest thou
plainly, and speakest no proverb. --John xvi.
29.
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3. A familiar illustration; a subject of contemptuous
reference.
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Thou shalt become an astonishment, a proverb, and a
by word, among all nations. --Deut.
xxviii. 37.
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4. A drama exemplifying a proverb.
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Book of Proverbs, a canonical book of the Old Testament,
containing a great variety of wise maxims.
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Syn: Maxim; aphorism; apothegm; adage; saw.
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