Word Direct Answers

What does "proverb" mean?

Proverb: 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.

Additional senses

  1. 2.3. A familiar illustration; a subject of contemptuous reference. Thou shalt become an astonishment, a proverb, and a by word, among all nations. Deut. xxviii.
  2. 3.4. A drama exemplifying a proverb. Book of Proverbs, a canonical book of the Old Testament, containing a great variety of wise maxims.
  3. 4.To name in, or as, a proverb. [R.] Am I not sung and proverbed for a fool Milton.
  4. 5.To provide with a proverb. [R.] I am proverbed with a grandsire phrase. Shak.
  5. 6.To write or utter proverbs. [R.]

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