1. Characteristic of a short or wise saying which has been used for a long time by many people: Here is an example of one famous proverbial saying: "Early to bed and early to rise makes a man healthy, wealthy, and wise."
2. A reference to sayings that state general truths or give advice, as shown in the following list which presents only a few of the many proverbial expressions that exist:

• A chain is only as strong as its weakest link.
• A dog is a man's best friend.
• A fool and his money are soon parted.
• A journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step.
• A picture is worth a thousand words.
• Absence makes the heart grow fonder.
• Actions speak louder than words.
• An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure.
• Better late than never.
• Cleanliness is next to godliness.
• Do unto others as you would have them do unto you.
• Do not count your chickens before they are hatched.
• Do not put all your eggs in one basket.

3. Etymology: from Latin proverbialis, "pertaining to or characteristic of a proverb"; from proverbium, "common talk, well known" from pro-, "forth, forward" + verbum, "word." © ALL rights are reserved.

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