MOTTO • DICCIONARIO INGLES.COM • Definition of Motto

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/mˈɑtoʊ/ Listen

noun

Motto n. (pl. mottoes)

(Her.) A sentence, phrase, or word, forming part of an heraldic achievment.

A sentence, phrase, or word, prefixed to an essay, discourse, chapter, canto, or the like, suggestive of its subject matter; a short, suggestive expression of a guiding principle; a maxim. "It was the motto of a bishop eminent for his piety and good works,... "Serve God, and be cheerful.""

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Etymology of 'Motto'

Collaborative International Dictionary of English 0.48

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"Motto" Quotes from Famous Books

... organize and expedite shipments of supplies of every kind, but especially of food," in a disinterested spirit. He asked railroad men of all ranks not to permit the nation's arteries to suffer any obstruction, inefficiency, or slackened power in carrying war supplies. To the merchant he suggested the motto: "small profits and quick service" to the shipbuilder the thought that the war depended on him. "The food and the war supplies must be carried across the seas, no matter how many ships are sent to the bottom." ...

— The Story of the Great War, Volume VI (of VIII) - History of the European War from Official Sources • Various

... shilling, was paid in meal or rum, taken at the door! Many had performed the part of pickpocket in a London play-house, but at Sydney this was more difficult; yet they were not discouraged: they saw by a glance at the benches what houses were left unprotected, and proceeded to rob them. The motto of the actors was modest:—"We cannot command success; but we will endeavour to deserve it." Their first play was The Revenge: the first prologue, characteristic both of the actors and the audience. The aptitude of one of these ...

— The History of Tasmania , Volume II (of 2) • John West

... the late events, his majesty caused two medals to be struck; one of himself, with the usual inscription, and the motto, Aras et sceptra tuemur; the other of Monmouth, without any inscription. On the reverse of the former were represented the two headless trunks of his lately vanquished enemies, with other circumstances in the same taste and spirit, the motto, Ambitio malesuada ...

— A History of the Early Part of the Reign of James the Second • Charles James Fox

... stiff and crude, Do not laugh, because it's rude. If my gestures promise larks, Do not make unkind remarks. Clockwork figures may be found Everywhere and all around. Ten to one, if I but knew, You are clockwork figures too. And the motto of the lot, "Put a penny ...

— Songs of a Savoyard • W. S. Gilbert

... cried, "never say pitch a thing up when there's a bit of hope left. 'To win or to die' is my motto!" ...

— To Win or to Die - A Tale of the Klondike Gold Craze • George Manville Fenn

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