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.