Pro*ver"bi*al (?), a. [L. proverbialis: cf. F. proverbial.] 1.
Mentioned or comprised in a proverb; used as a proverb; hence, commonly
known; as, a proverbial expression; his meanness was proverbial.
In case of excesses, I take the German proverbial cure, by a hair
of the same beast, to be the worst.
Sir W. Temple.
2. Of or pertaining to proverbs; resembling a proverb. "A proverbial
obscurity." Sir T. Browne.
Pro*ver"bi*al*ism (?), n. A proverbial phrase.
Pro*ver"bi*al*ist, n. One who makes much use of proverbs in speech or
writing; one who composes, collects, or studies proverbs.
Pro*ver"bi*al*ize (?), v. t. & i. [Cf. F. proverbialiser.] To turn into
a proverb; to speak in proverbs.
Pro*ver"bi*al*ly, adv. In a proverbial manner; by way of proverb;
hence, commonly; universally; as, it is proverbially said; the bee is
proverbially busy.
Pro*vex"i*ty (?), n. [L. provehere to advance. Cf. Provect.] Great
advance in age. [Obs.]
Pro*vide" (?), v. t. [imp. & p. p. Provided; p. pr. & vb. n.
Providing.] [L. providere, provisum; pro before + videre to see. See
Vision, and cf. Prudent, Purvey.] 1. To look out for in advance; to
procure beforehand; to get, collect, or make ready for future use; to
prepare. "Provide us all things necessary." Shak.