'Maxim' definitions:

Definition of 'maxim'

(from WordNet)
noun
A saying that is widely accepted on its own merits [syn: maxim, axiom]
noun
English inventor (born in the United States) who invented the Maxim gun that was used in World War I (1840-1916) [syn: Maxim, Sir Hiram Stevens Maxim]

Definition of 'Maxim'

From: GCIDE
  • 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]