Definition of maxim
1
: a general truth, fundamental principle, or rule of conduct
Mother's favorite maxim was "Don't count your chickens before they hatch."
2
: a proverbial saying
advised her daughter with the maxim "marry in haste, repent at leisure"
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Merriam-Webster unabridged
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Time Traveler for maxim
The first known use of maxim was in 1567
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