| Motto | n.; pl. Mottoes [ It. motto a word, a saying, L. muttum a mutter, a grunt, cf. muttire, mutire, to mutter, mumble; prob. of imitative origin. Cf. Mot a word. ] 1. (Her.) A sentence, phrase, or word, forming part of an heraldic achievment. [ 1913 Webster ] 2. 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. [ 1913 Webster ] It was the motto of a bishop eminent for his piety and good works, . . . “Serve God, and be cheerful.” Addison. [ 1913 Webster ] |
