Emily Dickinson Lexicon

PRO-VERB'I-AL, a.

1. Mentioned in a proverb; as, a proverbial cure or remedy. In case of excesses, I take the German proverbial cure, by a hair of the same beast, to be the worst in the world. – Temple.
2. Comprised in a proverb; used or current as a proverb; as, a proverbial saying or speech. – Pope.
3. Pertaining to proverbs; resembling a proverb; suitable to a proverb; as, a proverbial obscurity. – Brown.