maxim

1. 1

   A self-evident axiom or premise; a pithy expression of a general principle or rule.archaic

2. 2

   A precept; a succinct statement or observation of a rule of conduct or moral teaching.

   • Those maxims lurch through my head like rivers of lava. Those smarmy, know-it-all maxims. Trivia disguised as deeply held wisdom.

syn. cliche · enthymeme · proverb · saying

1. 1

   Alternative letter-case form of Maxim.alt-of

   • Again we went on, and climbed the false immensity of another ridge, when several rifles and a maxim opened upon us, and very close they were.