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Webster 1913 Edition


Motto

Mot′to

,
Noun.
;
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.
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.
It was the
motto
of a bishop eminent for his piety and good works, . . . “Serve God, and be cheerful.”
Addison.

Webster 1828 Edition


Motto

MOT'TO

,
Noun.
Primarily, a word; but more commonly, a sentence or phrase prefixed to an essay or discourse, containing the subject of it, or added to a device.
In heraldry, the motto is carried in a scroll, alluding to the bearing or to the name of the bearer, or expressing some important idea.

Definition 2024


mòtto

mòtto

See also: motto, Motto, and mottó

Kashubian

Noun

mòtto

  1. motto