Proverb
(Prov"erb), v. i. To write or utter proverbs. [R.]
Proverbial
(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.
Proverbialism
(Pro*ver"bi*al*ism) n. A proverbial phrase.
Proverbialist
(Pro*ver"bi*al*ist), n. One who makes much use of proverbs in speech or writing; one who
composes, collects, or studies proverbs.
Proverbialize
(Pro*ver"bi*al*ize) v. t. & i. [Cf. F. proverbialiser.] To turn into a proverb; to speak in
proverbs.
Proverbially
(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.
Provexity
(Pro*vex"i*ty) n. [L. provehere to advance. Cf. Provect.] Great advance in age. [Obs.]
Provide
(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.
2. To supply; to afford; to contribute.
Bring me berries, or such cooling fruit
As the kind, hospitable woods provide.
Milton. 3. To furnish; to supply; — formerly followed by of, now by with. "And yet provided him of but one."
Jer. Taylor. "Rome . . . was well provided with corn." Arbuthnot.
4. To establish as a previous condition; to stipulate; as, the contract provides that the work be well done.
5. To foresee. [A Latinism] [Obs.] B. Jonson.
6. To appoint to an ecclesiastical benefice before it is vacant. See Provisor. Prescott.
Provide
(Pro*vide"), v. i.
1. To procure supplies or means in advance; to take measures beforehand in view of an expected or a
possible future need, especially a danger or an evil; — followed by against or for; as, to provide against
the inclemency of the weather; to provide for the education of a child.
Government is a contrivance of human wisdom to provide for human wants.
Burke. 2. To stipulate previously; to condition; as, the agreement provides for an early completion of the work.
