Motto

A motto (Italian for pledge, sentence; plural: mottos or mottoes) is a phrase meant to formally summarize the general motivation or intention of a social group or organization. A motto may be in any language, but Latin is the most used. The local language is usual in the mottoes of governments. In informal ways, it can be a rule or slogan someone follows, or lives their life by. In heraldry, a motto is often depicted on the shield or else above t... More

A motto (Italian for pledge, sentence; plural: mottos or mottoes) is a phrase meant to formally summarize the general motivation or intention of a social group or organization. A motto may be in any language, but Latin is the most used. The local language is usual in the mottoes of governments. In informal ways, it can be a rule or slogan someone follows, or lives their life by. In heraldry, a motto is often depicted on the shield or else above the crest as in Scots heraldry. In English heraldry mottoes are not granted with armorial bearings, and may be adopted and changed at will. In Scottish heraldry mottoes can only be changed by re-matriculation, with the Lord Lyon King of Arms. Although very unusual and perhaps outside standard heraldic practice, there are some examples of the particular appearance of the motto scroll and letters thereon being blazoned. A canting motto is one that contains word play. For example, the motto of the Earl of Onslow is Festina lente, punningly...

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