prov·erb 
(prŏvûrb′)
(prŏvûrb′)n.
1. A short pithy saying in frequent and widespread use that expresses a basic truth or practical precept.
2. Proverbs (used with a sing. verb) See Table at Bible.
[Middle English proverbe, from Old French, from Latin prōverbium : prō-, forth; see PRO-1 + verbum, word; see wer-5 in the Appendix of Indo-European roots.]