1. (n.) A precept; an aphorism; a brief rule.

2. (n.) A collection of such aphorisms.

3. (n.) A body of Hindoo literature containing aphorisms on grammar, meter, law, and philosophy, and forming a connecting link between the Vedic and later Sanskrit literature.

adage ana analects aphorism apothegm axiom byword catchword collected sayings current saying dictate dictum distich epigram expression gnome golden saying maxim moral mot motto oracle phrase pithy saying precept prescript proverb proverbial saying proverbs saw saying sentence sententious expression sloka stock saying teaching text verse wisdom wisdom literature wise saying witticism word words of wisdom