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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