This is what I see as the thesis of Cooperâs book, an idea he traces across continents and through four centuries, from Mathew Lewisâs Gothic novel The Monk (1796) to James Wanâs âtorture pornâ film Saw (2004).
The definition of proverbial is something well-known or commonly referred to. When someone always uses the same old excuse, over and over again until it becomes old news, this is an example of that person's proverbial excuse. 1  of, or having the nature of, a proverb.  expressed in a proverb.
Proverb(verb) to name in, or as, a proverb. Proverb(verb) to provide with a proverb. Proverb(verb) to write or utter proverbs. Proverb. A proverb is a simple and concrete saying, popularly known and repeated, that expresses a truth based on common sense or the practical experience of humanity.