[proh-vurb] 
| a word that can substitute for a verb or verb phrase, as do in They never attend board meetings, but we do regularly. |
[prov-erb] | 1. | a short popular saying, usually of unknown and ancient origin, that expresses effectively some commonplace truth or useful thought; adage; saw. |
| 2. | a wise saying or precept; a didactic sentence. |
| 3. | a person or thing that is commonly regarded as an embodiment or representation of some quality; byword. |
| 4. | Bible. a profound saying, maxim, or oracular utterance requiring interpretation. |
| 5. | to utter in the form of a proverb. |
| 6. | to make (something) the subject of a proverb. |
| 7. | to make a byword of. |
| prov·erb (prŏv'ûrb') n.
[Middle English proverbe, from Old French, from Latin prōverbium : prō-, forth; see pro-1 + verbum, word; see wer-5 in Indo-European roots.] |
A brief, memorable saying that expresses a truth or belief, such as “A friend in need is a friend indeed.” (See examples under “Proverbs.”)
Proverb
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).