aphorism

A concise expression of a principle in an area of knowledge; an axiom, a precept.

[K]novvledge, vvhile it is in Aphoriſmes and obſeruations, it is in grovveth [growth]; but vvhen it once is comprehended in exact Methodes; it may perchance be further polliſhed and illuſtrate, and accommodated for vſe and practiſe; but it encreaſeth no more in bulke and ſubſtance.

A concise or pithy, and memorable, expression of a general truth; a maxim, a saying.

Is not thy common talke ſound Aphoriſmes?

'[T]is an old Aphoriſme, Oderunt omnes, quem metuunt [Everyone hates the one they fear].

The essence or heart of something.

VVe are novv to annexe the concluſion of the ſong, […] The partes are three. […] 3. A ſentence of acclamation, the aphoriſme and iuice of the vvhole ſonge, […]

To speak or write one or more aphorisms (noun sense 2).

Theſe paſſages diſcours'd and Aphoriſm'd at large in the Houſe; at the private Committee, divers fouler ſuſpitions and aggravations are treated vvith a greater freedom; vvhich being again vvith their ſeveral proofs reported before the vvhole Body, by the general doom he is pronounced guilty.

[T]here is no art that hath bin more canker'd in her principles, more ſoyl'd, and ſlubber'd vvith aphoriſming pedantry then the art of policie; […]