Definition of "proverb"

proverb

/ˈpɹɒvɜːb/

noun
plural proverbs
1. A commonly used sentence expressing popular wisdom.
2. (obsolete) A striking or paradoxical assertion; an obscure saying; an enigma; a parable.
  Quotations
  His disciples said unto him, Lo, now speakest thou plainly, and speakest no proverb.
  1611, The Holy Bible, […] (King James Version), London: […] Robert Barker, […], John 16:29
3. (obsolete) A familiar illustration; a subject of contemptuous reference.
  Quotations
  Thou shalt become an astonishment, a proverb, and a by word, among all nations.
  1611, The Holy Bible, […] (King James Version), London: […] Robert Barker, […], Deuteronomy 28:37
4. (obsolete) A drama exemplifying a proverb.
verb
third-person singular simple present proverbs, present participle proverbing, simple past and past participle proverbed
1. To write or utter proverbs.
2. To name in, or as, a proverb.
  Quotations
  Am I not sung and proverbed for a fool / In every street, do they not say, "How well / Are come upon him his deserts?"
  1671, John Milton, Samson Agonistes, lines 203–205
3. To provide with a proverb.
  Quotations
  I am proverbed with a grandsire phrase.
  c. 1591–1595 (date written), William Shakespeare, “The Tragedie of Romeo and Ivliet”, in Mr. William Shakespeares Comedies, Histories, & Tragedies […] (First Folio), London: […] Isaac Iaggard, and Ed[ward] Blount, published 1623, [Act I, scene iv]