Also 6 afforysme, 6–7 aphorisme, 7 apor-. [a. Fr. aphorisme, afforisme, ad. med.L. aphorism-us, aforismus, a. Gr. ἀφορισμός a distinction, a definition, f. ἀφορίζ-ειν; see APHORIZE. From the ‘Aphorisms of Hippocrates,’ transferred to other sententious statements of the principles of physical science, and at length to statements of principles generally.]
1. A ‘definition’ or concise statement of a principle in any science.
1528. Paynell, Salerne Regim., B iv b. Galen saythe in the glose of this aphorisme, qui crescunt, &c.
1541. R. Copland, Guydon’s Quest. Chirurg. Of this vtylyte Arnolde of vylle maketh an afforysme.
1605. Bacon, Adv. Learn., I. v. 24 b. Knowledge, while it is in Aphorismes and obseruations, it is in groweth.
1664. Power, Exp. Philos., II. 190. The old and uncomfortable Aphorism of our Hippocrates.
1879. De Quatrefages’ Hum. Spec. 50. The aphorism is verified which was formulated by Linnæus in regard to plants:—nimium ne crede colori.
2. Any principle or precept expressed in few words; a short pithy sentence containing a truth of general import; a maxim.
c. 1590. Marlowe, Faustus, i. 19. Is not thy common talk found aphorisms?
1642. Howell, For. Trav. (Arb.), 37. ’Tis an old Aphorisme Oderunt omnes quem metuunt.
1687. H. More, App. Antidote (1712), 191. That sensible Aphorism of Solomon, Better is a living Dog than a dead Lion.
1750. Johnson, Rambl., No. 68, ¶ 10. Oppression, according to Harrington’s aphorism, will be felt by those that cannot see it.
1880. Goldw. Smith, in Atl. Month., No. 268. 201/2. The suggestive aphorism, ‘The want of belief is a defect that ought to be concealed when it cannot be overcome.’
† 3. abstractly, The essence or pith. Obs. rare.
1594. J. King, Jonah (1864), 184. The aphorism and juice of the whole song.
