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.-a striking or paradoxical assertion; an obscure saying; an enigma; a parable.-a familiar illustration; a subject of contemptuous reference.-a drama exemplifying a proverb.-to name in, or as, a proverb.-to provide with a proverb.-to write or utter proverbs.