1. \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.
   

2. \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.
   

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

a trite maxim; a similitude; a parable. The Hebrew word thus rendered (mashal) has a wide signification. It comes from a root meaning "to be like," "parable." Rendered "proverb" in Isa. 14:4; Hab. 2:6; "dark saying" in Ps. 49:4, Num. 12:8. Ahab's defiant words in answer to the insolent demands of Benhadad, "Let not him that girdeth on his harness boast himself as he that putteth it off," is a well known instance of a proverbial saying (1 Kings 20:11).