Emily Dickinson Lexicon

PROV'ERB, n. [Fr. proverbe; It. proverbio; L. proverbium; pro and verbum, a word.]

1. A short sentence often repeated, expressing a well known truth or common fact, ascertained by experience or observation; a maxim of wisdom. The proverb is true, that light gains make heavy purses, for light gains come often, great gains now and then. – Bacon.
2. A by-word; a name often repeated; and hence frequently, a reproach or object of contempt. – Jer. xxiv.
3. In Scripture, it sometimes signifies a moral sentence or maxim that is enigmatical; a dark saying of the wise that requires interpretation. – Prov. i.
4. Proverbs, a canonical book of the Old Testament, containing a great variety of wise maxims, rich in practical truths and excellent rules for the conduct of all classes of men.