motto
English
/ˈmɑt.oʊ/, /ˈmɒtəʊ/
noun
Definitions
- (heraldry) A sentence, phrase, or word, forming part of an heraldic achievement.
- 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.
- (obsolete) A paper packet containing a sweetmeat, cracker, etc., together with a scrap of paper bearing a motto.
Etymology
Borrowed from Italian motto (a word, a saying, word) derived from Latin muttum (a mutter, a grunt, mutter).
Origin
Latin
muttum
Gloss
a mutter, a grunt, mutter