motto

views updated Jun 27 2018

mot·to / ˈmätō/ • n. (pl. -toes or -tos) a short sentence or phrase chosen as encapsulating the beliefs or ideals guiding an individual, family, or institution: the school motto, “Serve and obey” he soon adopted the motto “work hard and play hard.” ∎  Mus. a phrase that recurs throughout a musical work and has some symbolic significance.

The Oxford Pocket Dictionary of Current English

motto

views updated May 09 2018

motto a short sentence or phrase chosen as encapsulating the beliefs or ideals guiding an individual, family, or institution; in heraldry, a phrase or sentence accompanying a coat of arms or crest, typically on a scroll. Recorded from the late 16th century, the word is from Italian ‘word’.

The Oxford Dictionary of Phrase and Fable ELIZABETH KNOWLES

motto

views updated Jun 11 2018

motto XVI. — It. — F. MOT.

The Concise Oxford Dictionary of English Etymology T. F. HOAD

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