\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.