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“ultima ratio”
ultima ratio
The final argument.
The final argument of kings. Louis XIV of France, recognized that force is the final argument, so he directed that his cannons carry the engraving ultima ratio regum (1650). As a result, this phrase usually signifies "war" or "the use of military weapons as a force". The phrase was adopted in the form of Ultima ratio regis for the same purpose which appears on cannon cast for Frederick the Great after 1742.
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Latin Proverbs, Mottoes, Phrases, and Words: Group U
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ultim- +
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ultima ratio
1. The final argument. This phrase has literal applications, for example, "Your fourth drunk-driving citation is the ultima ratio for suspension of your driver's license."
2. The final sanction; the last argument; the last resort; the means last to be resorted to.
2. The final sanction; the last argument; the last resort; the means last to be resorted to.
Word Entries containing the term:
“ultima ratio”
ultima ratio regum
The final argument of kings. Louis XIV of France, recognized that force is the final argument, so he directed that his cannons carry the engraving "ultima ratio regum" (1650). As a result, this phrase usually signifies "war" or "the use of military weapons; force". The phrase was adopted in the form of "Ultima ratio regis" for the same purpose which appears on cannon cast for Frederick the Great, king of Prussia, c. 1742.