aphorism

noun

1. A concise expression of a principle in an area of knowledge; an axiom, a precept.

   “[K]novvledge, vvhile it is in Aphoriſmes and obſeruations, it is in grovveth [growth]; but vvhen it once is comprehended in exact Methodes; it may perchance be further polliſhed and illuſtrate, and accommodated for vſe and practiſe; but it encreaſeth no more in bulke and ſubſtance.”

2. A concise or pithy, and memorable, expression of a general truth; a maxim, a saying.

   “Is not thy common talke ſound Aphoriſmes?”

   “'[T]is an old Aphoriſme, Oderunt omnes, quem metuunt [Everyone hates the one they fear].”

   “[…] Exiſtence is a perfection: Firſt it is palpably plain, according to that ſenſible Aphoriſm of Solomon, Better is a living Dog then a dead Lyon.”

   “Oppreſſion, according to Harrington [James Harrington?]'s aphoriſm, vvill be felt by thoſe that cannot ſee it; […]”

   “As the promoters expected the overall size of the rail market to expand, it demonstrated the aphorism that 'a rising tide lifts all the boats' associated with the belief that improved services benefit all the participants.”

3. (obsolete, rare)The essence or heart of something.

   “VVe are novv to annexe the concluſion of the ſong, […] The partes are three. […] 3. A ſentence of acclamation, the aphoriſme and iuice of the vvhole ſonge, […]”

verb

1. (intransitive)To speak or write one or more aphorisms (noun sense 2).

   “Theſe paſſages diſcours'd and Aphoriſm'd at large in the Houſe; at the private Committee, divers fouler ſuſpitions and aggravations are treated vvith a greater freedom; vvhich being again vvith their ſeveral proofs reported before the vvhole Body, by the general doom he is pronounced guilty.”

   “[T]here is no art that hath bin more canker'd in her principles, more ſoyl'd, and ſlubber'd vvith aphoriſming pedantry then the art of policie; […]”

   “Since the three of us were interested in poetizing, or at least in writing, we invested in a red leather notebook which was to be passed back and forth between us and be filled with our notes and aphorisms. But after each of us had inscribed his share (once I robbed my Aegidius for the purpose), our literary union was over; each of us tore his contribution out of the book and "aphorismed" on his own from then on.”

   “He was thoughtful: "Preferences define superiority," he aphorismed. "As long as preferences are not made godly edicts.[…]"”

   “"I don't know what more to do," she confessed. "I've aphorismed my heart out and relationships have not improved one whit, it seems."”