maxim



From The Collaborative International Dictionary of English v.0.48:


Maxim \Max"im\, n. [F. maxime, L. maxima (sc. sententia), the
   greatest sentence, proposition, or axiom, i. e., of the
   greatest weight or authority, fem. fr. maximus greatest,
   superl. of magnus great. See Magnitude, and cf. Maximum.]
   [1913 Webster]
   1. An established principle or proposition; a condensed
      proposition of important practical truth; an axiom of
      practical wisdom; an adage; a proverb; an aphorism.
      [1913 Webster]

            'T is their maxim, Love is love's reward. --Dryden.
      [1913 Webster]

   2. (Mus.) The longest note formerly used, equal to two longs,
      or four breves; a large.
      [1913 Webster]

   Syn: Axiom; aphorism; apothegm; adage; proverb; saying. See
        Axiom.
        [1913 Webster]














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