proverb 
proverb definition
prov·erb (präv′ərb)
noun
- a short, traditional saying that expresses some obvious truth or familiar experience; adage; maxim
- a person or thing that has become commonly recognized as a type of specified characteristics; byword
- Bible an enigmatic saying in which a profound truth is cloaked
Etymology: OFr proverbe < L proverbium < pro-, pro- + verbum, word: see verb
transitive verb
Archaic to make a proverb or byword of
Etymology: ME prouerben
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