GNU Collaborative International Dictionary of English

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1.       
   Motto , 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.]
   (Her.) A sentence, phrase, or word, forming part of an heraldic achievment.
   1913 Webster
   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.
   1913 Webster
   It was the motto of a bishop eminent for his piety and good works, . . . “Serve God, and be cheerful.”
   Addison.
   
   1913 Webster