Mōt'to, n.

n.: pl. MŌT'TŌES. [It. motto. See MOT.] A sentence or phrase prefixed to an essay, discourse, chapter, canto, and the like, intimating the subject of it; a brief sentence added to a device.

It was the motto of a bishop eminent for his piety and good works, . . . “Serve God, and be cheerful.” Addison.