Byword

n.	1.	A common saying; a proverb; a saying that has a general currency. I knew a wise man that had it for a byword. - Bacon.
	2.	The object of a contemptuous saying. Thou makest us a byword among the heathen. - Ps. xliv. 14

Noun

1.

byword - a condensed but memorable saying embodying some important fact of experience that is taken as true by many people Synonyms: adage, proverb, saw

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