n. [ F. adage, fr. L. adagium; ad + the root of L. aio I say. ] An old saying, which has obtained credit by long use; a proverb. [ 1913 Webster ]
Letting “I dare not” wait upon “I would, ”
Like the poor cat i' the adage. Shak. [ 1913 Webster ]
a. Pertaining to an adage; proverbial. “Adagial verse.” Barrow. [ 1913 Webster ]
‖a. & adv. [ It. adagio; ad (L. ad) at + agio convenience, leisure, ease. See Agio. ] (Mus.) Slow; slowly, leisurely, and gracefully. When repeated, adagio, adagio, it directs the movement to be very slow. [ 1913 Webster ]
‖ n. A piece of music in adagio time; a slow movement;