maxim Meaning, Definition & Usage

  1. noun a saying that is widely accepted on its own merits
    axiom.
  2. noun English inventor (born in the United States) who invented the Maxim gun that was used in World War I (1840-1916)
    Sir Hiram Stevens Maxim.

WordNet

Max"im noun
Etymology
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.
Definitions
  1. An established principle or proposition; a condensed proposition of important practical truth; an axiom of practical wisdom; an adage; a proverb; an aphorism.
    'T is their maxim, Love is love's reward. Dryden.
  2. (Mus.) The longest note formerly used, equal to two longs, or four breves; a large. Syn. -- Axiom; aphorism; apothegm; adage; proverb; saying. See Axiom.

Webster 1913