Motto /(?)/

Mot·to

Motto

n.

pl. Mottoes

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