Noah Webster
Proverbial
PROVERB'IAL,adjective Mentioned in a proverb; as a proverbial cure or remedy.
In case of excesses, I take the German proverbial cure, by a hair of the same beast, to be the worst in the world.
1. Comprised in a proverb; used or current as a proverb; as a proverbial saying or speech.
2. Pertaining to proverbs; resembling a proverb; suitable to a proverb; as a proverbial obscurity.