aphorism

[In Ger. aphorism; Fr. aphorisme; Sp. & Ital. aforismo; Port. aphor ismo. From Gr. ἀφορισμός ( aphorismos ) = (1) a separation; (2) a definition, also an aphorism; ἀφορίζω ( aphorizō ) = to mark off by boundaries: ἀπό ( apo ) = from, and ὁρίζω (horizo) to separate from as a boundary; όρος ( horos ) = a boundary.] A short detached pithy sentence, containing a maxim or wise precept, educed from the general experience of mankind. (See example under APHORIZE.) "Solomon became enabled, not only to write those excellent parables or aphorisms, concerning divine and moral philosophy, but also"-Bacon: Advanc. of Learning.