1. A short pithy saying in frequent and widespread use that expresses a basic truth or practical precept. See synonyms at saying.
2. Proverbs (used with a sing. verb) (Abbr. Prov. or Prv or Pr) A book of the Bible.

[Middle English proverbe, from Old French, from Latin prōverbium : prō-, forth; see pro-¹ + verbum, word.]

The American Heritage® Dictionary of the English Language, Fourth Edition Copyright © 2007, 2000 by Houghton Mifflin Company. Updated in 2009. Published by Houghton Mifflin Company. All rights reserved.