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Webster 1913 Edition


Proverbial

Pro-ver′bi-al

,
Adj.
[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.

Webster 1828 Edition


Proverbial

PROVERB'IAL

,
Adj.
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.
1.
Comprised in a proverb; used or current as a proverb; as a proverbial saying or speech.
2.
Pertaining to proverbs; resembling a proverb; suitable to a proverb; as a proverbial obscurity.

Definition 2024


proverbial

proverbial

English

Adjective

proverbial (comparative more proverbial, superlative most proverbial)

  1. Of, resembling, or expressed as a proverb, cliché, fable, or fairy tale.
  2. Widely known; famous; stereotypical.
    I grew up in a prefab house on Main Street in 1950s suburbia, the second and last child of a proverbial nuclear family.

Translations

Noun

proverbial (plural proverbials)

  1. (euphemistic) Used to replace a word that might be considered unacceptable in a particular situation, when using a well-known phrase.
    I think we should be prepared in case the proverbial hits the fan.
  2. (euphemistic) The groin or the testicles.

Translations


French

Adjective

proverbial m (feminine singular proverbiale, masculine plural proverbiaux, feminine plural proverbiales)

  1. proverbial

Spanish

Adjective

proverbial m, f (plural proverbiales)

  1. proverbial