MOTTO

MOTTO. → See LEGEND

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motto. Motto, n. a short sentence prefixed or added, a device

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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. 1. (Her.) A sentence, phrase, or word, forming part of an heraldic achievment.
2. 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.