Source : Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary (1913)

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.

   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.

Proverb \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.

Proverb \Prov"erb\, v. i.
   To write or utter proverbs. [R.]

Source : WordNet®

proverb
     n : a condensed but memorable saying embodying some important
         fact of experience that is taken as true by many people
         [syn: {adage}, {saw}, {byword}]