Motto
['mɒtəʊ] or ['mɑto]
Definition
(n.) A sentence, phrase, or word, forming part of an heraldic achievment.
(n.) 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.
Inputed by Angie
Definition
n. a short sentence or phrase prefixed in anything intimating the subject of it: a phrase attached to a coat-of-arms: a paper packet containing a sweetmeat cracker &c. together with a scrap of paper bearing a motto—a motto-kiss:—pl. Mottoes (mot′ōz).—adj. Mott′oed.
Checker: Sumner
Examples
- Bois-Guilbert's new shield bore a raven in full flight, holding in its claws a skull, and bearing the motto, Gare le Corbeau. Walter Scott. Ivanhoe.
- Their motto was in these words, namely, Procrastination is the thief of time. Mark Twain. The Innocents Abroad.
- It is a sort of prologue to the play, a motto to the chapter; and will be soon followed by matter-of-fact prose. Jane Austen. Emma.
- Where now was her proud motto, 'Fais ce que dois, advienne que pourra? Elizabeth Cleghorn Gaskell. North and South.
- My London pamphlet (printed in 1725)--which had for its motto these lines of Dryden: Whatever is, is right. Benjamin Franklin. Memoirs of Benjamin Franklin.
- Do it at once,' said Bounderby, 'has always been my motto from a child. Charles Dickens. Hard Times.
- I dare say ours is likely to be a rather long engagement, but our motto is “Wait and hope! Charles Dickens. David Copperfield.
- Concede, conciliate, is their motto wherever he is concerned. Charlotte Bronte. Shirley.
- The patent starts out with the motto: Defending King George, your Country, and Lawes, Is defending Yourselves and Protestant Cause. William Henry Doolittle. Inventions in the Century.
- A fair day's wages for a fair day's work is ever my partner's motto. Charles Dickens. Our Mutual Friend.
- If we are gentlefolks they will put hatchments over our late domicile, with gilt cherubim, and mottoes stating that there is Quiet in Heaven. William Makepeace Thackeray. Vanity Fair.
- There were crackers in it with the tenderest mottoes that could be got for money. Charles Dickens. David Copperfield.
Inputed by Dan