Latin Proverbs, Mottoes, Phrases, and Words: Group P

(classical-language maxims, slogans, adages, proverbs, and words of wisdom that can still capture our modern imagination)

Expressions of general truths: Latin to English maxims, proverbs, and mottoes

Word entries are from Latin unless otherwise indicated.

pax Dei
The peace of God.
pax Ecclesiae
The peace of the Church.

1. An attempt of the Church (Roman Catholic) to lessen the evils of private warfare and to protect noncombatants, developing into what became known as the "Truce of God".

2. An effort on the part of the medieval Roman Catholic Church in eleventh century France to protect noncombatants, church property, farm stock, and tools from the ravages of war by excommunicating offenders.

Pax et felicitas semper omnibus.
Peace and happiness always to all.

This motto came from a reader who said, "I have a tatoo that reads 'PAX ET FELICITAS SEMPER OMNIBUS'. See if any of your subscribers can translate that."

I sent him the translation above; as well as, the following:

"Peace and good fortune (or success) always to everyone."

-John Robertson
Pax et justitia.
Peace and justice.

Motto of Johann Georg II, Elector of Saxony (1613-1680).

Pax huic domui.
Peace be to this house.
pax in bello
Peace in war.

A peace in which fighting continues but at a reduced rate; a half-hearted conflict.

Pax majora decet.
Great works require peace.

Pax majora decet. Peragit tranquilla potestas
Quod violenta nequit, mandataque fortius urget
Imperiosa quies.

"Great works require peace. Power, employed quietly, effects what violence cannot accomplish; and calmness is all powerful in enforcing commands with success."

pax optima rerum (Latin saying)
Translation: "Peace, the best blessing."

Pax optima rerum, quas homini novisse datum est; pax una triumphis innumeris potior; pax, custodire salutem et cives aequare potens. -Silius Italicus (A.D. 26-A.D. 101).

"Peace is the best thing that men may know; peace is better than a thousand triumphs; peace has power to guard our lives and secure equality among fellow citizens."

pax orbis terrarum (Latin phrase)
The peace of the world: Pax orbis terrarum applies to universal peace and tranquility around the whole globe.

Pax orbis terrarum is a motto found on Roman coins.

Pax paritur bello.
Peace is produced by war.
Pax potior bello.
Peace is more powerful than war.
Pax quaeritur bello.
Peace is sought by war.
pax regis (Latin phrase)
The peace of the king.

The peace of the king; that is, the peace, good order, and security for life and property that is one of the objects of government to maintain, and which the king, as the personification of the power of the state, is supposed to guaranty to all persons within the protection of the law.

This term was also given in ancient times, to a certain privileged district or sanctuary. The pax regis, or verge of the court, as it was afterwards called, extended from the palace-gate to the distance of three miles, three furlongs, three acres, nine feet, nine palms, and nine barleycorns. [The verge or virge is from old English law and referred to the area of the royal court that bounded the jurisdiction of the lord steward of the household].

—From Black's Law Dictionary, 6th ed.; St. Paul, Minnesota;
West Publishing Co.; 1990.
pax Romana
Roman peace.

A peace dictated and enforced by the impressive strength of Roman armies.

Pax tecum. (singular)
Peace be unto you.

The is the form to be used when speaking to one person.


Pointing to a page about a kleptomaniac Units of mottoes and proverbs listed by groups: A to X.