means A short, well-known saying that states a general truth or piece of practical advice, usually handed down through generations.

from From Latin proverbium, built from pro- 'forth, in public' plus verbum 'word' — literally a phrase 'put forth' for everyone to repeat. It traveled into English through Old French proverbe in the medieval period. So the word itself carries its own meaning: words sent out into the world to be passed mouth to mouth.