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motto
5 dictionary results for: Motto
Dictionary.com Unabridged (v 1.1) - Cite This Source - Share This
mot·to       [mot-oh] Pronunciation Key
–noun, plural -toes, -tos.
1.a maxim adopted as an expression of the guiding principle of a person, organization, city, etc.
2.a sentence, phrase, or word expressing the spirit or purpose of a person, organization, city, etc., and often inscribed on a badge, banner, etc.

[Origin: 1580–90; < It < LL muttum sound, utterance. See mot]
American Heritage Dictionary - Cite This Source - Share This
mot·to       (mŏt'ō)  Pronunciation Key 
n.   pl. mot·toes or mot·tos
  1. A brief statement used to express a principle, goal, or ideal. See Synonyms at saying.
  2. A sentence, phrase, or word of appropriate character inscribed on or attached to an object.
  3. A maxim adopted as a guide to one's conduct.


[Italian, word, motto, probably from Vulgar Latin *mōttum, word; see mot.]

Online Etymology Dictionary - Cite This Source - Share This
motto 
1589, from It. motto "a saying, legend attached to a heraldic design," from L.L. muttum "grunt, word," from L. muttire "to mutter."

WordNet - Cite This Source - Share This
motto

noun
a favorite saying of a sect or political group 

Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary - Cite This Source - Share This

Motto

Mot"to\, 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.

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.

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