Maxims (6)
I believe the answer is:
adages
'maxims' is the definition.
(I've seen this in another clue)
This is all the clue.
(Other definitions for adages that I've seen before include "Much-used wise sayings" , "Maxims, saws" , "Wise old sayings" , "Aphorisms" , "'Proverbs, true sayings (6)'" .)